Heritage Dance Company was founded in 1992 at Shippensburg University through the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) so students could express themselves through dance. 

Heritage is a student-directed group, which means the members help create the dances rather than an outside choreographer. The dance company is very diverse in the dances it performs — ranging from lyrical and jazz to modern and hip-hop. 

The 2017-18 Heritage Dance Co. consists of 10 female SU students who bubble with energy and passion on and off the stage. 

SU senior Asia Adams serves as the president of Heritage and was part of Heritage for four years — the longest involvement of all current members. 

“To me, Heritage is more than just a dance group,” Adams said. “It means family and sisterhood, but also dance.” 

Heritage has performed off campus many times through its 25 years. The group practices four nights a week in Ship Rec and Heiges Field House to perfect members’ skills. The blood, sweat, tears and dedication of the dancers was displayed during homecoming weekend during their performances at the Spirit Rally and the Greek Step Show. 

Last semester Heritage won Organization of the Year that Sigma Gamma Rho sponsored and the dance company is determined to win the award again in the spring. In addition to Organization of the Year, Heritage won first place at the 2016 Lip Sync Competition during homecoming. 

Auditions to join Heritage are held at the beginning of each fall semester. To become a member of Heritage, the dancer needs to perform a one-minute solo piece and follow along to a dance taught on the spot by the members of Heritage during the auditions. 

“Heritage is a great experience and it helps [many] come out of their box and also get involved with on campus organizations,” said Shakera Jenkins a junior at SU. 

One of Heritage’s goals for next semester is to perform at more events and spread its love for dance around campus.

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