Bring It 2 the Runway: The Troupes of WSSU: Part 2 (The Yin and The Yang)

A Mozik model (left) and an Epiphany model (right) battle
during Mozik's Spring 2006 show "Paradigm Kizom"

Intro:

The first post about the WSSU troupes was limited to history and introductions. It was very sparse on the actual performance and creative aspects, mainly for space constraints. Of the videos and pictures that have been recorded of WSSU troupes, most of the ones on the internet are not the best shows of those organizations, which really is frustrating when you're trying to convey the beauty and art of what these troupes have been putting together for years to people who have never seen it (and validate their existence to conservative campus administrators who view them as misogynous, decadent organizations).

So to all the old heads and alumni that have tapes of great (or not so great) epic shows, let the young bloods see the magic of what was to inspire them (cause legacy is not being passed down as well as it should, Ram Fam). For those still walking in troupes, make sure you record every show and pass it on. It's a part of the artistic history of HBCU's, underground cultures, and Generation Y and X.

The Yin and the Yang

Mozik's colors are black and silver. Epiphany's are white, teal, and gold. One troupe has a signature walking style that all of their members of a certain sex emulate. The other places an emphasis on individual signature walks and movements and allow gender fluidity by not enforcing gender conformity. One views the performance runway as a lifestyle, a twenty-four-seven commitment. The other sees the whole thing as an extracurricular activity, or a creative outlet, only taking the show aspect seriously; as opposed to having to be seen and a part of the campus who's-who.

To be honest, these two groups can be seen as an allegory of conservative vs liberal, exclusive vs inclusive, reticence vs audacity. Yes, there has been beef in the past, but both groups are trying to put the hate behind them and move on to be friendly competitors. Students and younger alumni either like one, or the other, however, both are needed for the creative, intellectual, and social experimentation that should happen on a university campus.

The WSSU Aesthetic
The performance styles of WSSU's troupes place heavy emphasis on turns and footwork. There are over a dozen names and types of turns in just Epiphany alone. Some of the turns have the same names as the respective troupe, but different body movements. Ask two members of Epiphany and Mozik to do a side, pivot, or half moon and you'll see what I'm saying. Both groups owe their modeling techniques to the Ebony Fashion Fair and African-American modeling techniques that were started in the 1970's.

M.M.T.

2 models perform in the "70's Time Warp" scene
from Chance Du Rouleau

Shows are 90-95% runway
Business/Upscale image
Intricate footwork
Dynamic freeze posing
Traditional, stays true to their original brand, slight changes every few years or so
For their semester shows, the fashions are out of this world, probably some of the best amongst the NC troupes I've seen rivaling Infinity, Couture Productions, and Evalesco.
Heteronormative (girls walks like girls, guys like guys). This makes their shows more marketable to a wider audience...no offense.
Organizational Motto: "Modeling Doesn't Make You A Model"
*Essential shows: "7 Deadly Sins (2002)", "Climatic Eroticism (2005)", "Princess of Persia (2006)", "Pleasure Planet (2007)", "2 Scener (2009)", "Chance Du Rhouleu (2010)" None of these pieces of art are currently viewable on the web for the world to see. Get with it Rams!

3 Mozik models pose in their "Chance Du Rouleau" fashions
April 2010

2 Models at dress rehearsal for the "2 Scener" show in 2009

A clip of Mozik performing at the 2010 Haiti Relief Concert at WSSU:

E.M.T.

Epiphany Gents posing at the 2006 Wal-Mart fashion show
sponsored by the retail giant and WSSU's Campus Activities Board

Shows are a mix of runway and group routines
Dynamic freeze posing
Signature Epiphany Ending Runways
Eclectic/Alternative image
Slight influence from outside genres (ballroom, burlesque, J-sett, modern dance)
Nonconforming and experimental, you never know what to expect at an Epiphany show, causing some people to become excited, or anxious.
Fashions at shows usually reflect the org. image
Organizational Motto: "It's in the Walk" and "Experience Epiphany"
*Essential Shows: "Night and Day (2002)", "Jason and Freddy's Treasure Island (2003)", "A Beautiful Struggle (2005)", "Art of Imitation (2006)", "Contents Under Pressure (2006)", "Epiphany Unleashed (2006)", "Little Red Riding Hood (2007)", "The 5 Elements (2007)", "Toyland (2008)", "LoveSick (2010)" None of these pieces of art are currently viewable on the web for the world to see. Get with it Rams!