Dancers took a trip down memory lane during Block 8, themed “You Know You Were Born in the ‘90s If…”
Sir Mix-A-Lot’s “Baby Got Back” greeted the dancers as they entered the tent from their break, followed by the Pokemon theme song that got all the dancers singing along.
The emcees donned outfits apt for the theme, Communication junior Ashley Thompson in overalls and Communication senior Ned Baker in onesies. Baker changed from what must have been a very warm outfit to a throwback Shawn Kemp Sonics jersey about halfway through the block.
Participants danced along to ‘90s favorites, including Britney Spears’ “Baby One More Time,” the “Rugrats” theme song, S Club 7’s “S Club Party” and Hanson’s “MMMBop.” The Backstreet Boys classic “I Want It That Way” prompted dancers to link arms as well.
DM Battle of the Band’s winner Jet Jaguar took the stage and played a set for the dancers. The five-member band consists of Kasey Huizinga on vocals, Matt Connolly and Sean Kane on guitars, Derek Tam on drums, and Katie Park, a former Daily staffer, on bass. The group won the competition at Nevin’s Pub two weeks ago.
Dancers watched a video from ESPN Radio’s Mike Greenberg from “Mike & Mike in the Morning,” a video time-lapse of the DM tent construction and a music video by emcees Thompson and Baker, featuring the duo singing along to ‘90s hits and Baker singing to Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” in a dress.
A family supported by the Be Positive foundation also took the stage during Block 8. Katie Chuck, whose brother was diagnosed with cancer, introduced her brother and talked about his battle against the disease.
“He has not had an easy road,” she said. “My family and I would like to thank each of you for all you have done to raise money for such a worthy cause.”
Following the family’s speech, the Finance Committee announced that a week before the Feb. 24 full-money deadline, DM had raised $425,564.
The Dancer Relations Committee then took the stage for the best costume contest. Dancers dressed up with their best ‘90s outfit, from a Britney Spears and a Ginger Spice costume to Jasmine from “Aladdin.” SESP junior Danielle Moehrke ended up taking the prize, wearing a “Little Mermaid” shirt and retro jacket.
The block capped off with a beautiful rendition of “The Circle of Life” from “The Lion King.” Several dancers took the stage and swayed along to the music.
“We got Simbas everywhere,” Baker said.
Baker then coordinated a re-enacment of the scene from the movie, asking a dancer who was wearing a yellow jacket to be Simba. The dancers on stage raised “Simba,” and the dancers on the floor channeled their inner Pride Rock animal spirit and cheered the lion heir. ‘Simba” then crowdsurfed, and Baker and Thompson thanked everyone for their participation.
“Thank you, animals,” Thompson said.
The dancers headed off for an early break to get dinner, and they will return at 7 p.m. for Block 9, themed “All of the Lights.”
– Kris Anne Bonifacio
Joseph Diebold contributed reporting
Photos by Ashley Fetters and Rafi Letzter
