If you’re looking for a club that feels like family, look no further than the Clark University Hip Hop Collabo, or Hip Hop Club. The club puts on performances for the Clark community every semester and uses the weekly practices to build their teamwork and relationships. To help you learn more, who better to tell you about the club than a few of the members themselves? 

Our first interview is with a brand new club member named C.

(Q): How did you hear about the club and decide to audition?

(A): One of my good friends is in [the club], Molly. She’s a great dancer and I loved seeing her on stage; she was so fierce! She always looks like she’s having so much fun.

(Q): What was the audition process like for you?

(A): It was pretty smooth, honestly. I went with one of my [basketball] teammates, and initially we were really scared, but once we got into the groove and started learning the choreo, it came pretty easy and everybody was so welcoming.

(Q): How did you feel when you found out you got in?

(A): I was really excited. I’d been talking to my friends about it for, like, the entire week. I was really excited because I’ve never been a part of any clubs, because I’m so entangled with my sport. So, I’m really excited to get into something different.

(Q): What stood out to you about the club culture compared to other groups on campus?

(A): I think it’s really carefree. I feel like there’s not a lot of pressure. In basketball, you have to know every play, but I feel like in the club, it’s just like… Be you. Bring your personality, bring every part of yourself, and I feel like that is what also drew me to the club.

Our second interview is with Jess, a general member who has been on the team for two years.

(Q): How has the club evolved since you first joined?

(A): It really went through a development of seeing everyone grow, and even seeing myself grow. We all gained confidence and became closer than ever.

(Q): How would you say the Hip Hop Club compares to other student organizations you may be a part of?

(A): I feel that [the club] just signifies what really made me want to stay dancing throughout my entire life. The team just has a bond unlike anything else I’ve experienced on campus.

Our next interviewee, Ella, is a general member and has been on the team for four years.

(Q): What role does this club play in your college life?

(A): I love to dance, and I started taking it more seriously when I got to Clark. Now, I can’t imagine my Clark experience without hip hop. I’m surprised that I didn’t start dancing earlier, because I love it so much.

(Q): Is there a lot of support within the club?

(A): Definitely. As soon as someone joins, we put effort into being like “hey, you’re a part of us now, and you matter to the team.”

Finally, Ann is the co-director and has been on the team for two years.

(Q): What’s the mission or vision of the club?

(A): My vision is definitely to make sure that hip hop is a space where people can really express themselves creatively and not have anyone be afraid of bringing their own little flair onto the team

(Q): How do you make sure new members feel welcome?

(A)We always pair up a newbie with two or three members who are already on the team. So that in itself has made a lot of newbies, including myself when I was new, very comfortable with being on the team.