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| The ladies of Cliche assume first position |
Word on the street has it that Cliché had disbanded this year due to infighting and drama. Until I can verify such information, I will write on as if the group is still active. |
Cliché has (or had) moderate respect amongst the college modeling troupes of the Triad area (Greensboro, High-Point, and Winston-Salem). Those who were around during the 2006-2009 era recall how the group went from unknown and/or undistinguished to sudden wild card status. This was brought on by new management and a revitalized performing style that meshed the elegant, suave, calculated, and sensual movements of the WSSU troupes with the bold sass, excitement, and high energy of NC A&T's modeling styles.
"Cliché was established in 1998 and received affiliation with the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 1999. The five signatory members were Mi Sou Hood, Veronica K. Roots, Q. Yolanda McRae, Sheri Hunter, and Amber Kandravy. These five young ladies were previously members of a modeling group on campus that bore the same name but sadly ceased to exist. They decided to create a new organization but carried on the same name."
I have seen only two cliché shows. The first was their "Treasure Island" competition piece; which won 1st place in the fall of 2007. They went against Mozik of WSSU (who came in 2nd), Nexx Leval of Livingstone (3rd place), and Eccentrique of Benedict (who placed last) at the Ensembles Modeling Competition. At that time, Cliché's show was one of the most seamless, brilliant, and extravagant I had seen.
The choreography was dynamic and original, the clothing uniform in theme (but not in execution), which I adored. Their show had a story line to, four people are ship wrecked on an island inhabited by a hostile tribal group. This piece was memorable because a part of the storyline included a homoerotic lesbian dance sequence that was not cheap or exploitative. It was beautiful and elegant, perhaps choreographed by one UNCG's dance majors. I don't converse with any Cliché members, so I have no clue as to who choreographed this lovely tango, and secretly, I wished it were me on stage doing such a dance. I do confess that I have the entire 2007 Ensembles Modeling Competition on tape, well, most of it. When I do get it converted to digital for, I'll be sure to post the contents.
The second Cliché show I've seen was their fall 2008 production, "La Nouvelle Expression de Mode." It was a lot simpler than what I'd seen of them a year earlier. No backdrops or props (minus chairs for the lingerie scene). The fashion and choreography were the main focus.
What I loved about Cliché in '07 and '08 was their use of ripples, reflections, and a signature walk that borders between the outlandish banji-pump and a Victoria Secret large stride strut.
Cliché's only videotaped show is their competition piece, "Drop Dead Gorgeous." Performed in Charlotte, NC, it didn't place against the other competitors, but serves as a satisfactory example to their organization's art.
1 comment:
The true FOUNDERS, who gave name and went through all that entailed official University affiliation were Shanece Jackson, Monica Williams and the late Sherri Jackson. Together these ladies created UNCG's first modeling organization, formally known as Cliche. Despite recent name changes,these 3 ladies paved a foundation for potential growth.
They are not estranged. In fact, their names are fully documented in UNCG's records as the first and original founders of Cliche.
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