Combining the historical ethnic dances of its members with modern styles like hip-hop and stepping, the Fusion dance group brings its unique sense of style to the Raleigh area.
Since the organization’s first full school year in 2003, Fusion has remained a consistent force of creativity and culture here at N.C. State, while also bringing a sense of unity and family to the students in the group.
Fusion was first conceived of as an offshoot of the Asian Students Association in 2002. ASA members Hyejin Ann and Yumi Pyon decided to do a dance performance for the Asia Night event. Together with other ASA members, they were able to perform two very different dances, one cultural and one hip-hop.
The following year, bolstered by the success of the performance the previous year, the ASA brought the group back. The following summer, Annie Yee and Kawan Rojanatavorn, both dancers at Asia Night 2003, decided to bring Fusion back yet again, this time as a permanent, year-round dance team.
Sam Kim, a senior in communication, said the constant challenge to develop as a dancer appealed to him.
“It’s a great outlet for dance, which is something I love to do,” Kim said. “It keeps bringing me back because being a part of such a tight-knit group has made me want to keep trying harder.”
Much of that drive comes from the focus the group places on integrating the culture of its members into the dances they choose to fuse. Though the group started to highlight a mixture of traditional Asian dances with modern ones, it has since broadened its horizon to include a wide and eclectic number of styles.
“We’ve done Indian dances, stepping and a bunch of different modern dances,” Kim said. “We try to accept anything people bring to the table.”
With the variety of the dances performed, Fusion has become a very popular group in the Raleigh community.
Cicely Kaikai, a sophomore in biological engineering, said the team has danced at numerous places and events in the area.
“We get invited to do a lot of different events,” Kaikai said. “We danced at the NHL All-Stars Fan Fare a few weeks ago, and we’ve been asked to perform at museums and high schools. Also, we always do Asia Night.”
Much of the team’s popularity and success can be attributed to the dedication and hard work of the team members.
Megan Rodgers, a freshman in environmental engineering, said the practice schedule keeps the team ready for any performance they are invited to do.
“We practice twice a week, on Mondays and Wednesdays,” Rodgers said. “Then we always do an extra rehearsal before any performance, whether it is a big or small one. Recently, we’ve been performing every week, which had made for a lot of practices.”
Despite the demanding schedule, the team members all stressed the fun and enjoyable atmosphere they work in.
Bryan Hum, a sophomore in international studies, said the group dynamic is what makes Fusion work as well as it does.
“Fusion has allowed me to gain dance experience, find new friends and become a family with these other dancers,” Hum said. “We all have the different personalities, but we are there for the same reasons, which makes it easier to connect.”
The good-natured team spirit is an aspect of Fusion the dance team hopes to emphasize. The group has begun offering lessons and an introduction to what dance fusion is to interested members of the community. The goal of these classes is to try to bring in new team members.
“Even during the try-out period, a lot of people are able to connect and forge relationships through the shared love of dance,” Hum said. “The classes were started to let people come and learn dances and get a feel for the team. That way, when try-outs come around in the fall, people are more likely to want to come out and audition.”
Regardless of what new members may join next semester, Fusion remains a dance team dedicated to marrying modern styles to the cultural history of its members.
