OGX showed up and showed out at their annual showcase this past Sunday

This past weekend on Sunday Apr. 10, Geneseo’s multicultural dance group Original Xpressions (OGX) held their fifth annual showcase, “Welcome to the Party”; the two-hour performance included ten original dance performances from the group as well as three guest performances from other superbly talented dance groups on campus, hosted by a highly-comedic duo, sophomore psychology major Riley Weaver and junior Aaron Enriquez. This article will serve as a brief recap and review of the event for those who couldn’t attend, or for those who want to reminisce viewing such incredible enthusiasm and athleticism!

The event started with an explosive opening number featuring choreography from various members. The rest of the showcase was organized into “party” themes, including “House Party,” “World Mixer,” and the fan favorite “Slumber Party.” The former was the group’s second installment of the day, featuring college party hits like Lil Naz X’s “Industry Baby” and Flo Milli’s “In the Party”—a personal favorite of my friends and I, who bopped along gleefully in the audience. The five-song lineup exhibited the group’s range of expertise in hip hop and contemporary dance, with everything from kicks to floor work to effortless freestyle movements. 

Following the House Party set was the first guest performance from Geneseo favorite Shakti, who impressed as always at the front of the stage with a soundtrack that combined traditional South Asian music with modern hits. 

Next up was another OGX set, “Homecoming,” in which dancers donned attire similar to that of a high school homecoming dance. Performances were, as always, choreographed by members of the club; the first half of the set included fluid, romantic movements to Joy Crookes’s jazz-pop track “Feet Don’t Fail Me Now.” The set retained its impressive precision throughout, adding more dynamic tracks like Troye Sivan’s pop ballad “My, My, My” and a club song, Shawn Desman’s “Electric.”

Following Homecoming was another guest performance from Bhangra, the co-ed competitive dance team featuring high-energy performances inspired and taught by Punjabi dancers. The team brought it all—incredible energy, constant movement, and even props!

Before a brief intermission, OGX showed off even more brilliant choreography with a full-stage performance in their World Mixer. Dancers wore flags representative of their respective nationalities in high-energy numbers featuring six different tracks.

The post-intermission set was perhaps my favorite; this was the “Cast Party,” which included popular childhood favorites like Zendaya’s “Replay” and “Fuego” by the Cheetah Girls, rounded out with more modern hits like “All For Us” from Euphoria. The final number to “The Room Where It Happens” was a standout, with an incredible lead performance from dancer and choreographer Kamal Lythcott, who brought unbelievable spirit and skill to center stage. 

As a brief break from such a demanding performance in Cast Party, the club settled down to view a sentimental slideshow honoring three graduating seniors, Aeryn Massenza, Lauren Brewer, and Sam Aya, who is the president of the club. The slideshow featured photos of the three seniors and brief videos from the members of the club wishing them luck in their future endeavors. Afterward, the three put on their senior showcase that they choreographed. They maintained fantastic stage presence and showed off their breadth of dance expertise before the next performance, another guest feature from the G-Steppas. 

This was my first time watching a G-Steppas performance in an auditorium setting, and it was nothing short of spectacular. The step team had amazing command of the audience, making everyone eager to see what they’d do next. All in all, it was a show-stopping performance. 

With G-Steppas as the final guest performance, there were two more OGX sets left. The first was Slumber Party, an intimate, downright sexually-charged showcase of floorwork and expression featuring Ashnikko’s “Slumber Party” and Jeremih’s classic “Birthday Sex.” The performance was impressive and memorable, and included some superbly cozy silk pajamas. 

Before their last performance, the club put on another slideshow featuring pictures and videos throughout the semester as they practiced for the showcase. It was a heartfelt homage to all of their hard work and showed just how much fun the OGX members have on and off stage.

Finally, OGX rounded out the afternoon with their After Party, a culmination of energy and dance expertise to end off the showcase strong. The group spent some time after the performance honoring their e-board and general members, and concluded with their signature chant.

This performance was truly spectacular! Congratulations to OGX on another great year—we here at The Lamron cannot wait to see what you guys will do next. I would also like to use my editor privileges to give a very special shoutout to my lovely roommate and friend Torianna Robleto, who danced nearly constantly and choreographed some of the sets. We are so proud of you! And once again on behalf of The Lamron staff, thank you to OGX for putting on such a fantastic showcase!