Musical theater-inspired dance group Steam Heat took home first prize Thursday at NU’s Got Talent 2013, a talent show presented by Northwestern to Benefit Special Olympics and hosted by Weinberg senior basketball guard Reggie Hearn.
About 30 students gathered at the McCormick Auditorium in Norris to observe their fellow Wildcats perform. The three judges included Associated Student Government President Victor Shao, NU football player Jeff Budzien and Special Olympics champion Peter Lindquist.
The event’s co-chair, Haley Carlborg, said she was happy to see the event come together after so much preparation.
“I am excited to see it all come to life,” the Communication sophomore said. “There had been lots of email coordination throughout the week. (With) everyone’s busy schedules and preparation for the midterms, it had been a hectic week.”
The event featured other arts-related groups in addition to Steam Heat, including the improvisation group Titanic Players, circus and service club Cirque du NU, dance groups Graffiti Dancers and the Ballroom, Latin and Swing Team, and a capella groups The Undertones and Extreme Measures.
Bienen freshman Natasha Nassar said she was impressed by the variety of acts that performed in the show.
“The diversity in the acts is what made it really interesting,” Nassar said. “It pretty much just touched on everything. I think it showcased a wide variety of the student body’s talents and abilities.”
Titanic Players opened up the stage with an improvised performance, which Nassar said was her favorite act.
“I thought they were really funny, and I was really impressed with how good their improvisations were,” Nassar said. “At one point I asked someone in the audience if they were actually making this up on the spot — that’s how well done it was.”
Following Titanic Players, BLAST showcased partner dancing, and then Weinberg sophomore Taylor Alvaro from Cirque du NU took the spotlight, juggling with clubs, balls and knives.
Steam Heat performed after Alvaro. Lindquist said he enjoyed their act.
“Steam Heat was so far my favorite performance!” he said.
Alyssa Leonard, a SESP sophomore and Steam Heat dancer, said the show was “traditional mixed with contemporary things.”
The last act of the night was put on by Graffiti Dancers. After they finished, Hearn said he was pleased with their showing.
“The police have a problem with graffiti, but these girls can come graffiti at my house anytime,” Hearn said jokingly.
Shao said he was impressed by the acts he witnessed during the show.
“It was amazing,” the Weinberg senior said. “These are the times I wish I went to more of these. Seeing their energy was impressive.”
As of Thursday, Carlborg said she did not yet know the total amount raised by the event.
Jillian Sandler contributed reporting.
