NENJI YILPET | senior staff writer

The new dance company will be the realization of many dreams on-campus.

A ‘God First’ dance company has made its way to APU’s campus with the direction of senior psychology and film double major Moses Martinez through the Office of Communiversity.

“This is different than anything APU has done in the past,” Martinez said. “It includes a variety of dance styles such as jazz, hip-hop, ballet, modern dance, and even a little salsa.”

Martinez transferred to APU in the Spring 2007 semester and saw a need to start this company. It began as a club.

“Many of the dancers I talked to were bummed that APU does not have a dance company,” Martinez said.

The dance company differs from a dance group because it focuses on several dance styles.

“Dance is a lifestyle. I want to try out because it’s an opportunity to continue to do what I’m passionate about,” freshman communication studies major Kirsten Garrett said.

The company’s goals are to enrich APU with dance, create more dance opportunities, compete against larger schools and find more funding.

“We often recognize the gifts people have of singing, writing, or drawing,” sophomore biochemistry major Victoria Razon said. “A dance company will show that we recognize God gives us the gift of dance to use for His glory too.”

Martinez has plans to discuss advancing the company on a larger scale with the APU administration.

“I want this to be a real dance company in which we go and compete at other schools and perform concerts in different places,” Martinez said.

All styles will be incorporated in the company in order for the dancers to grow and become well-rounded dancers. The routines will also emphasize the strengths of the group, according to Martinez.

Martinez is the choreographer for the company. He seeks God for dance routines that function as praise.

“I create the routines on my own and I do it for God,” Martinez said.

Tryouts for the APU Dance Company will be Friday, Sept. 21 and open tryouts will continue on Sept. 28 and Oct. 5.

“This company is about God First,” Martinez said. Because God first got me where I am today.”