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The Daily Tar Heel

Mesmer-Rhyising

Mezmerhythm, a multi-genre dance group formed in 1999, packed its two-hour performance "Rhythms of the Night" with eight different styles of dance. Participants showcased their talents in jazz, ballet, tap, hip hop, African, South Asian, lyrical and modern dance styles.

Junior Samantha Terry, president of this year's 10-member dance team, said the spring show best reflects the group's diverse abilities.

"What makes us unique is that we're the only audition-holding dance group that really incorporates all styles of dance," Terry said. "Everyone gets their opportunity to show their specific talents and strengths tonight."

Terry said the group has performed more than 20 times this semester at events like Apple Chill and the UNC Dance Marathon. She said Mezmerhythm also has traveled to various college campuses across the state, including a talent show at N.C. Central University, where they won second place.

Tuesday's event featured guest performances by UNC groups Opeyo! Male, Blank Canvas and Kamikaze. Sabrosura, a Latin dance group from Duke University, also participated.

Two of Mezmerhythm's dancers performed solos, including lead choreographer Krista Washington. Washington's solo, which was entirely improvised, included an on-stage costume change behind a zebra-striped towel.

Cameron Jackson, the evening's other soloist, choreographed a ballet routine to Jamiroquai's "Virtual Insanity" that included the moonwalk done en pointe.

The all-female dance troupe performed six numbers as an entire group, including an interpretation of "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor. The event's grand finale included music by Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey and Michael Jackson.

Terry, who has danced with the group since her freshman year, said the troupe's on-stage dynamic reflects the bond its members share outside of the rehearsal hall.

"We like spending time with one another," she said. "We have sleep overs on the weekends and go out partying. We have fun together."

Senior Katherine Andrews, who dances for Kamikaze, said members of her group also have formed friendships with members of Mezmerhythm. She said the dancers have all gotten to know each other at various shows on campus.

"We've all seen each other grow over the years," she said. "There really isn't any rivalry. We know we all enjoy dancing."

The University Editor can be reached at udesk@unc.edu.

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