Epiphany and Mozik: “One Show” Review (Part 2)

Here's a continuation of the previous post.

Paris (Mozik)

Mozik’s theme was Paris, the birth place of high fashion. What better troupe to tackle this challenge than a troupe whose fashion has been some of the best and most creative in North Carolina on the east coast?

The scene took place in the Louvre, one of the most famous museums on the planet.  Like Epiphany, I couldn’t get much from the voice over to understand the entire premise of the scene. The part I got was Mozik’s (MMT) executive board wondering around and being found by a curator, who then shows them the cultural works housed in the museum.

Epiphany and Mozik: “One Show” Review (Part 1)

Last month, I attended the first ever joint production put on by both Epiphany and Mozik Modeling Troupes of Winston-Salem State University. When initially starting this blog, I intended to never review any show of the two to not step on toes be biased as a former student of WSSU. Then I thought about how a constructive critique can be the best thing for all to hear and learn from cause…well I want them both to kick ass on the east coast and be known far and wide. Can’t do that holding back now can we?

Let’s just start off  with how proud I am that the two campus rivals came together and were civilized! It took almost a decade for this show to happen, but the models and organizers didn’t let past petty dramas, allegations, and sucker punches get to them well, sort of.

Epiphany and Mozik "History in the Making"

Well what do ya know? Winston-Salem State's two modeling troupes, Epiphany and Mozik, will be hosting a joint fashion show April 4th 2011. This is definitely history in the making since the last time both troupes appeared on the same stage was to battle it out in 2008. This show isn't like that at all, both troupes will be in two scenes, walking together in a show of unity and school spirit! It took almost a decade for this to happen, but hey, at least it's getting done! I'm so proud of the leadership from both troupes in organizing this, and the university for not tying them both down in RED TAPE *cough*. As for whether or not I'll be in the audience, that remains to be seen...for now, don't bank on it kids.

Side note: Isn't this video lovely! The photo shoot seems like it was kick ass too! 

Just NAKED!!!

You've gotta love those raw, sensual Florida troupes. Though troupes in more northern regions of the eastern USA seem to have left the army of bikini-clad vixens back in the mid 2000's, such an image has become a staple of this region's shows. As tactless as this clip is, I love it! Is it any wonder this is the region of the nation that mothered the FAMU sex tape?! This brings back memories of Verge's Sean Paul "Temperature" inspired 4 seasons competition piece in 2006, and vintage Mozik/Epiphany.

The Troupes of WSSU: The Vice Versa Productions Story (Part 1)

Vice Versa Productions - Wal-Mart Fashion Show - September 30th, 2008

In a previous post, I talked about Vice Versa, an entertainment group that dissolved in the spring of 2009, based at Winston-Salem State University. Though this may be a controversial topic to some of the older WSSU readers, I felt it would be a failure not to share the fate of this organization so that others may learn from the mistakes that cause V.V. to fall. I will be respectful.

WSSU Poll Results!

The results from our first poll are in! It asked what troupe from WSSU, past or present, is your favorite. 88% of BI2TR's readers responded in favor of Epiphany Modeling Troupe! Go E-phi! Stay tuned for more exciting polls and quizzes!

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 Troupes of WSSU: Part 1

The 3 troupes of WSSU at the Wal-Mart Fashion Show Competition
September 30th, 2008

Winston-Salem State University (WSSU from here on out) is a liberal arts college and historically black college (HBCU) located in Winston-Salem, NC.  It is a member school of the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund. Winston-Salem State has been ranked #27 by U.S. News & World Report in the Top Public Comprehensive Baccalaureate Colleges of the South for the last nine years (2001–2009) category. WSSU is a recognized regional institution offering baccalaureate and graduate programs to a diverse student population.

The university is home to both Mozik and Epiphany modeling troupes.  At one time, four troupes existed on the campus, including the two previously mentioned, Vice Versa Productions, and the G.A.M.E. (Generation of Amazing Models and Entertainers).  The latter organizations merged under Vice Versa’s name and leadership, only to dissolve in the spring semester of 2009.