Seven Days: Vermont's Independent Voice

Dance Dance Evolution

Vermont once seemed an unlikely place to find urban culture, but lately hip-hop has popped up everywhere — from a thriving music scene to the routines of scores of Green Mountain dancers who have studied the attitude-laced moves seen in music videos. The nascent hip-hop dance troupe Cheeks got its start performing on Lotus Entertainment’s laketop party cruises; the eight young women split off from Williston-based teacher Sarah Cover’s Urban Dance Complex in April to form their own company. Cheeks’ initial circus-themed stage recital, “Freakshow,” intersperses its group hip-hop routines with solo snippets of various styles ranging from ballet en pointe to Irish step dancing, salsa and tap. Co-choreographer Ali Zura explains, “We have a pretty eclectic group.” Costumes reflect the three-ring aspect, and individual dances call to mind sword swallowers and snake charmers. Step right up!