By Sydney Brown

After a performance by the dance group Xpress, senior Kyjaun Stringer took a moment to look at the cheering crowd. He then looked at the other members of the group surrounding him and knew the group that once nearly broke up had finally arrived, and was strong as ever.

The hip hop dance group Xpress has changed since last year because of the new leadership, dancers, and choreography. In the past, the team was lead by former student Tyrik Patterson, but Stringer took the reins this year.

Xpress sponsor Henry Vo said that Patterson leaving Xpress was challenging at first but the team adapted with time.

“Tyrik was the leadership for Xpress and when he left he broke up his duties to the dancers,” Vo said. “There was drama at first, but with motivation, members of the team worked their problems out among themselves.”

Patterson said that he was unsure if Xpress could continue to be a group after he graduated, but as time progressed he soon realized the group was getting comfortable with its new leadership.

“After organizing the year with the new committee, I knew the group was in good hands,” Patterson said.

Patterson looked for work ethic, talent and creativity when he formed the leadership committee.

“I thought everyone on the team was talented, but only a handful of people were capable of leading Xpress,” Patterson said.

Stringer said he’s confident about his leadership abilities and what he contributes to the team. He said he is good at song selection and coming up with creative dances.

“I pick out songs that are good for the team, and I have very good choreography,” Stringer said.

It was important to the leaders that everyone was recognized, not just one member.

“Everybody is saying that they can’t wait to see Xpress perform at the next pep rally and last year people just cheered for Tyrik,” Stringer said. “Now they cheer for everybody and that finally puts us where we want to be as a group.”

Junior Kierra Obey said she enjoys being in Xpress under Stringer’s leadership.

“Being in Xpress is a fun experience,” Obey said. “We always have fun doing the things we love to do. We are like a little family.”

This year the style of dance has continued to evolve with new influences.

“I am into street hip hop and Tyrik is into lyrical hip hop,” Stringer said. “With lyrical hip hop you have to be loose and smooth with the dance moves. It’s sort of a difficult dance style, and that is why last year when we danced, not everyone would have it. Since I Incorporated street hip hop everybody knows how to do it and that has made the team as a whole way better.”

Junior Mary Robinson said that being in the group is a unique experience.

“Being in Xpress is super fun – it’s different from other dance groups because it allows you to be yourself and just dance,” she said.