Dance group Strictly Funk 'jazzes up' U. music scene

The murmur of L.L. Cool J and Bjork filters through the Hill House lounge as 16 dancers practice jazz, hip-hop and swing dancing until long after midnight. Strictly Funk, Penn's newest dance company, performs "all varieties of jazz with a funky edge" in order to incorporate the interests of its members, according to College sophomore Jennifer Weber, who founded the group last fall. The group's rising popularity was confirmed during its first performance at the Pi Beta Phi/Phi Kappa Sigma Comedy Jam November 6 when, as the opening act, Strictly Funk was met with a standing ovation. But despite its preliminary successes, the currently all-female group's lack of membership in the Student Activities Council has produced some unique difficulties. The group, for example, must practice late at night when rooms are available because it cannot receive University funding or reserve rehearsal space. Strictly Funk has not yet finished writing its constitution or become a member of the Performing Arts Council, two prerequisites for applying to SAC. Strictly Funk dancers have worked around this problem by practicing at odd, unreserved hours in different rehearsal areas that can accommodate them with adequate space and mirrors. But they never know if such areas will be available at their request. The lack of funding has also forced them to "improvise" with costumes. But Strictly Funk members said the difficulties have not dampened their spirits. In fact, optimism and dedication have defined both the group's rehearsals and its founding, Weber said. Discouraged by the often narrow styles of dance companies performing at the University, Weber -- who is the group's chief choreographer -- said she needed an outlet for the creative talent that took her from a small dance studio in Amherst, Mass., to the Broadway Dance Center in New York City. "I thought there wasn't a dance company at Penn that was up on current New York City dance trends and focused on jazz," she said. "There was something inside of me that needed to be in the gallery, that needed to be moving to the likes of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and the Doors." Weber, initially displeased with the selection of dance groups at Penn, took a brief hiatus from dancing during her freshman year. She rekindled her interest last summer, interning for a Broadway producer. As a result of her internship, Weber said she became determined to match the leadership skills she acquired while interning with her desire for a "fresh" dance company. So Strictly Funk was born. More than 30 students -- a substantial amount for a new dance company -- auditioned for the group in the fall. Just seven made the cut. Weber added eight others throughout first semester. Wharton sophomore Michelle Mendoza, one of the original eight members, said her interest in joining Strictly Funk stemmed from the groups' unique ability to incorporate its members' innovations. "Most of the other dance companies at Penn are very talented, but they have their reputations set in stone," she said. "Strictly Funk is only a baby, and we get to create its personality." College freshman Erin Shoji is one member who will see her dance creations come to life. The Hawaii native said she was searching for a company that "did more than generic rap video dancing." Shoji added that in an attempt to bring some "Hawaiian style" to Penn, she will choreograph a "booty" dance -- a "club style" mix of fast, raunchy moves -- for their next show. But despite her own contributions to the group, Shoji credits Strictly Funk's success to Weber's strong leadership. "I've learned so much from Jenn," she said. "She holds the entire group together and makes all the dances her own. We say that certain moves are 'just Jenn'." Strictly Funk will perform its solo debut on April 24 and 25 in Houston Hall. The group will also guest star at the March 20 Chord on Blues a cappella show.

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