“Shimmey Like a Nupe” with AIC’s Kappa Alpha Psi

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Denisha Walker, Staff Writer

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated is one of the divine nine fraternities and sororities on major college campuses around the United States of America, including here at AIC.

They were founded January 5th, 1911, and can be identified by their colors Krimson and Kream (Crimson and Cream).

They also identify by their nickname “Kappas” or “Nupes.” But unlike the other eight fraternities and sororities, the Kappas host an annual countrywide dance competition called “Shimmey Like a Nupe.” This competition consists of female teams who take on roles of the Nupes and preform similar strolls as if they were apart of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated.

A stroll is a synchronized dance, with unwritten rules made by the specific fraternity or sorority.

The stroll that the Nupes created is called “Shimmey” where they smoothly roll their shoulders. This is important for the competition because the female teams have to roll their shoulders just as smoothly as the Nupes, but this is easier said than done.

Rolling shoulders is just the basics of the stroll. In certain strolls the dancers get low, or twist, or even do certain stunts, which is a lot to remember let alone learn. Besides needing to have a good memory, the female teams have to create their very own unique strolls. An individual could imagine the troubles to create a stroll based off a fraternity they are not a part of.

This competition takes places every year but the times always vary depending on the school. AIC’s very own Nu Tau brothers of Kappa Alpha Fraternity have decided to create their own teams this year to compete. The competition will take place at University of Massachusetts Amherst in December. All females are encouraged to come join them in their tryouts for the teams.

The AIC Nupes held an Informational Thursday, October 5,which I attended. The informational was very short but informative. The AIC Nupes took down everyone’s information, and will be letting everyone when the tryouts are coming up.

At this informational Lamont Waites, Devonte’ Dillion, Malik Lee, and Kyle Boyer-Tucker explained that they would host a tryout for females who were interested in creating a team. They also encouraged females who already had a team to come as a whole team and try out.

For example, The Queens Bees will be trying out to join the competition.

For females thinking “why join?” the Kappas have the answer.

“We’re looking to bring together a group of girls who love to dance and have fun,” said Lamont Waites.

“If you like to dance and want to broaden your horizons and make new friends, this is the competition,” he added.

Malik Lee noted, “We are here to help you guys each step of the way. Whatever team wins will be okay as long as the trophy comes back to AIC. Were in this together.”

If anyone would still like to try out just stop and talk to any one of the Nupes on campus. They are very friendly, understanding, and charming.

So ladies, don’t be afraid to approach!