OGX gives unforgettable performance in 7th annual showcase
On Saturday, Apr. 8, Geneseo’s Original Xpression dance group, otherwise known as OGX, took the Wadsworth Auditorium by storm for their seventh annual showcase. In an incredible display of talent, all of the members of OGX contributed to what was a night to remember for all in attendance—dancers and audience members alike.
For each showcase, OGX chooses a theme after which they name and choreograph their numbers. This year, the theme was television, and the dancers moved in rhythmic homage to their favorite shows, ranging anywhere from Dance Moms to Survivor. There were whole-group combinations as well as small-group numbers throughout the night, and the stamina of the dancers was particularly impressive, as each of the titled dances lasted several minutes and involved precise movements on and off the stage. Between the dances, the three hosts of the event kept the audience entertained with interactive skits and witty banter (along with effortlessly making light of some inevitable technical difficulties).
The night began with an energetic opening dance with the whole group involved, setting the tone for the rest of the night: as one dance flowed seamlessly into the next, the crowd stayed fully engaged with friends and family whooping in support. For the entire two hours, the performers captivated the audience and danced with passion and fervor.
Junior English major Elliot Pecora was one of the many dancers in OGX who had the audience members on the edge of their seats. Pecora detailed how the group tirelessly prepared for the performance: “This [was] my third showcase as an OGX member as well as an e-board member, and the preparations are always so intense—we practice every day during the week leading up to [the] showcase for at least two hours, but it easily runs into three without even factoring in independent practice.”
Although these rehearsals were long and strenuous, Pecora made it clear that all of the time and effort put into perfecting the showcase was well worth it: “All of our members are incredibly passionate about what they do, especially since every part of our show is self-choreographed,” he said. “I feel so fulfilled and lucky to have completed another showcase with this hardworking group.”
Through their various styles of dance, their classic OGX chant, and their heartfelt senior speeches, the members of the group proved how deeply they care about one another and how much love there is in the organization. One member in particular is especially beloved by all: senior economics major Kamal Lythcott, the president of the organization, truly finessed on the stage and showed that they have the same love for OGX that the group has for them.
“Finishing out this final showcase is like a dream to me,” Lythcott said. “Being in OGX since freshman year, it’s been a pleasure seeing how it has expanded and grown. Being able to complete this final show as the president is such a bittersweet moment. I’m so grateful for every person that I met and am so happy to have such a bond with everyone outside of the club. I’m excited to see where the club goes in the future.”
Whether you were watching the highlights of the show on people’s Instagram stories or cheering in the front row for the ever-iconic junior early childhood education major Torianna Robleto (as my friends and I were), this showcase was certainly one of the most unforgettable performances on Geneseo’s campus to date. OGX is and continues to be a space for individuals to thrive and express themselves, and this showcase was a testament of the success of the group that will surely endure for years to come.