D-squad rocks the Pier

The University of Richmond's D-squad performed "D-squad Breaking the Habit" at its biannual performance on Friday, April 2 in the Tyler Haynes Commons.

In the past, the squad had performed only hip-hop dances. However, this year, the squad's 17 members incorporated an array of dance styles -- including rock, pop, reggaeton, Caribbean and belly dance -- into its traditional hip-hop routines.

About 80 people attended the show, said Erin Brodell, president of D-squad. Brodell said she suspected that there had been fewer attendees than in other years because the show started right after Alpha Phi Alpha's step competition ended.

"This is the first year we didn't have an outside coach," said Amanda Andrews, co-president and head choreographer of D-squad. "There was a lot of pressure on me."

The last dance was of special importance, Brodell said. While all of the dances were choreographed by some students in the squad, the last dance was performed by only the choreographers.

Another Richmond dance club, Asian Beat, performed during intermission. Its members choreographed a piece that incorporated Asian music and dance.

"I thought this semester's show was a lot better choreographed than the last show I participated in," freshman D-squad member Daniel Fairley said. "Everything was put together really well."

The squad encourages all students who are interested in hip-hop or dance to join in the beginning of each semester. Many of its current members are freshmen or have not had any prior dance experience.

"We're a non-competitive group on campus," Brodell said. "We accept anyone and invite everyone to participate"