by: SHERMIKA DUNNER

The hip-hop was blaring and the DJ had on glasses that flashed lights as both young and old anticipated the start of M.A. D. Skillz’s show, which was a tribute to Kanye West, T-Pain, and Michael Jackson.

The show began with a movie highlighting stock footage from practices, performances, and interviews with members. The members spoke about how the group is a family, allows them to express themselves, control their anger, keeps them out of trouble, and encompasses more than hip hop as it incorporates elements of modern, tap, jazz, etc.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Artistic Director, Winston Strickland, a former backup dancer, who informed me that M.A.D. Skillz was created in 2003 after he was encouraged to teach dance to children. He stated that the group hopes to become the next generation of dance. Strickland works with children who come from various living environments and wants them to experience a love for the arts, see it in a new light, and possibly dance on a professional level. One can immediately tell that Strickland has a steady and positive hold on this group, reasons why they are as successful as they are today.

M.A.D. Skillz opened their show at the Alabama Theatre with twenty-three dancers in black suits and ties, some wearing white glasses, others silver masks, who made slow methodical movements to the thudding beat of the music. Strickland performed with the group to West’s "Jesus Walks." The choreography was excellent and each dancer was engrossed in their performance as they stomped, grooved, and bounced to the likes of Beyonce, Ciara, and more.

One of the highlights was when Michael Jackson’s "Billie Jean" was performed. The crowd went wild as they cheered on the young performer who put on a stellar performance and succinctly delivered every signature MJ move.

The show was broken into four parts, one of which was a parent dance off, which was a lot of fun to watch. There were musical performances, a fashion show, and various dancing segments.

One segment was "The Quiet Storm," which included intricate choreography set to contemporary music. In "The Gospel Experience," M.A.D. Skillz praise danced, which was very stirring. The last segment, "The Art of Hip Hop," was pure energy. It was vibrant, spirited, and funky. The dancers displayed their awesome moves and performed in a battle-like style.

M.A.D. Skillz are a group of amazingly talented youth who dance fluidly and with style. Although their main mode is hip hop, the group makes it known that their repertoire is not limited to such. Their performance was fun, energetic, and free-spirited.

For interested parties, Strickland informed me that auditions are not necessary for the beginner group as the basic elements of dance are taught. However, the older group has to audition as they go to nationals.