Does the art of “Step” sound appealing to you? Step is a combination of military drills, contemporary jazz and hip-hop moves. The body takes the place of the drums as they slap various parts of their bodies and feet giving a complex rhythmic foundation. The show is free and everyone is encouraged to attend this cultural event.

“We are growing and getting a lot more recognition on campus,” said Vivian Obasi the Black Alliance president and junior biology major. “Anyone welcome to come to meetings and join step team is very much encouraged. We hope to work with more organizations and gain as much support as we can.”

Currently, approximately 25 students are in the group. Anyone interested in the cultural or political aspect of Africa is more then welcome to join. The mission of the Black Student Alliance is to spread cultural awareness throughout the SDSU Campus.

The Black Student Alliance will be co-sponsoring the Martin Luther King Challenge held on Jan. 21. This year the alliance is focusing more on educating the campus about the history of Africa along with their culture. They are also hosting the African Step Show on Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. in the Doner Auditorium. In April the Black Student Alliance will be co-sponsoring the Tunnel of Oppression with The Native American Club.

The Black Student Alliance has worked with bigger organizations such as Jacks for Life, Weekend Stuff!, and Office for Diversity and Enhancement as they are open to support many organizations.

“We have no limitations as to who we work with,” said Tanisha Sealy, The Black Student Alliance treasurer and senior clinical lab science major.

“I feel that the Black Student Alliance is a good way for students, faculty and staff to get involved with what the student organization has to offer,” said Jodi Wuttke, the academic coordinator for Upward Bound.

“This organization gives me a sense of belonging and dedication. For me it’s helpful to show that what we do is beneficial and informative, because people should know who we are and what we are about,” said Sealey. “As the treasurer of the Black Student Alliance it gives me a feeling of leadership for the black population and I am glad to have watched us grow over the last couple years.”

C. D. Douglas founded the SDSU Black Student Alliance and is the current Director of Multicultural Affairs and Trio Student Support Services Program.

The organization has been performing in various locations such as fall festivals and during the half time show of a Jacks Basketball game. The organization is willing to perform at just about any time, anywhere.

“Never be afraid to ask questions. No question is stupid at our age. If it is something you would like to know concerning the black community we would be happy to tell you,” said Tanisha.

To find out more about the Black Student Alliance or to join, see the Office of Multicultural Affairs or visit their Web site http://studentaffairs.sdstate.edu to register. The group meets every other week on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. in the Union.

#1.883032:1842222096.jpg:steppractice.jn.jpg:Members of Black Student Alliance practice some step moves.:

New SDSU clubs will be available soon. As of now the Iron Jacks Wrestling Club is open to any SDSU student interested in competing on a more casual basis.

“Iron Jacks wrestling gives students the opportunity to participate in wrestling without the time commitment,” says president of the club Jason Stripling, a civil engineering senior.

Other upcoming clubs that will have full recognition early in December are Racquetball Club, African Student’s Association, and the Sierra Club.

The Racquetball Club’s main focus is competition in the inner collegiate competitions. African Student’s Association Club is based on students who are originally from Africa, focusing on the cultural aspects reflecting on how Africa’s society functions. This club welcomes all SDSU students that are interested. The Sierra Club is part of a National organization, which is made for the sole purpose of conserving the environment we live in. This club will be working on raising awareness of the ramifications of pollution and how to form a healthier environment to live in.

Interested in forming a club? To form a new organization may be a lot easier than most realize. There are over 200 organizations on the SDSU campus right now, but if the university does not have a particular club that you would like to belong to, try forming one.

“We have a process in place that gives students the opportunity to form groups which will in turn keep interests alive. This is the type of environment we should provide for our students,” says Vice President for Student Affairs Marysz Rames.

The first step in forming an organization is to complete the application of recognition. This process requires you to have seven charter members who are currently enrolled at SDSU.

The proposed constitution must be formed. The Office of Student Activities Staff is available to help with this process. Staff members will help answer any questions about forming the constitution and can verify that all forms have been completed.

Upon the completion of these steps, the Director of the Union will grant provisional recognition status to the organization for thirty days.

The office of Student Activities forwards the completed recognition packet materials to two SDSU committees, the Student Affairs Organization Subcommittee and the Students’ Association. These two committees have three weeks to give their recommendation and comments about the proposed organization.

After the Director of the Union receives comments and recommendations from the two committees, the director will grant full recognition, deny or continue provision recognition if need be.

Requirements for an organization to have full recognition are maintenance of an active membership of at least seven enrolled SDSU students, retention of one full time staff member to serve as an advisor, upholding the South Dakota Board of Regents polices and completion of an officer update form every year.

Some of the benefits of creating an organization through this process other then having the SDSU name is the right to organize a weekly meeting on campus and the entitlement to funds that SDSU offers to all recognized organizations.

“If you can’t find a student organization, form one. People may share the same interests you have,” said SA (Students’ Association) President Alex Brown, a senior who is majoring in political science with minors in journalism, global studies, and business. “The reason for these organizations is to bring people together, tying them in by common interests,” said Brown. Brown has been on the senate for three years and he finds that many constituents are active but others are more specialized. This all depends on which interests are popular for the time period.

For centuries Halloween has been celebrated every year. From the religious practices of the Druids to the Irish farmers begging for pumpkins, this holiday gives everyone the opportunity to wear the face of anybody they wish. This year, to help kick off this festive day, kindergartners painted pumpkins with an assortment of colors. Many kids incorporated colors like cherry red, plum or blue and patterns like tie-dye.

Junior Dex Stewart, a hotel and food service management major, was given a class assignment for Meeting and Convention Management and decided to keep with the Halloween spirit by bringing in pumpkins and accessories. He made it possible for the children to personalize their individual pumpkins to take home. Before the painting began, Stewart explained to the kindergartners certain safety precautions necessary to have a fun and safe time going door to door on Halloween night.

Tiffanni Tobeck, a sophomore pre-pharmacy major and a volunteer s, felt that it was a great activity for the children. This got the kids hyped up for trick-or-treating while teaching them how to avoid dangerous situations by staying close to their parents and avoiding talking to strangers. “I could tell they had fun. It was a great way to get the kids excited for trick or treating,” said Tobeck.

“In today’s society children should have a better understanding as to what houses to approach and which ones may not be such a good idea,” said Christie Madsen, a senior psychology major. Madsen also said this experience gave the children an opportunity to express themselves in a creative fashion while having fun.

In a time when a powerful dictatorship wanted to conquer the world, to enforce anti-Semitism and to alter humanity’s way of living, there was a single voice. In Berlin during the 1930′s that voice spoke through painted lips and said, “Cabaret.” Along with the red glossy lipstick, two inch sparkled eye lashes and skimpy tutus, an escape was created. This was an escape from the war, the politics and Nazism.

Cabaret is a dark musical based on a powerful love affair in a setting reminiscent to one of the world’s darkest times. Based on the play I am a Camera by John van Druten and the book by Joe Matseroff. Director Raymond Peterson said this compelling drama not only appeals to the audience from an emotional standpoint, but also brings to mind political issues that occur in today’s society.

Peterson will be conducting his 37th year at SDSU. He said in his time there has never there been a drama like Cabaret. “It is such an unusual musical, with an ample amount of history,” Peterson said.

Peterson went on to explain how Cabaret is basically “real world vs. cabaret”. The setting was in the Kit Kat Klub but was battling everything going on in the 30′s, mainly overshadowing World War II. This club was an escape from it all. “We are dealing with a very serious subject matter, ” said Peterson.

Wes Haskell, a junior communication studies and theater major, plays an American writer who travels to Berlin. While there, he meets a German man, Ernst Ludwig, played by Nolan Hayes, a senior speech communications major, who tells him about a nightclub that features cabaret. There he meets an English singer named Sally Bowles, played by Erin Brubakken, a senior communication studies major.

“Sally is very flamboyant and crazy, but in a way that you can’t help but like her,” Brubakken said.

Blake Erickson, a senior speech communications major, plays the Emcee, who is described as a comedic character that brings the entire show together. The Emcee has a mixture of dialogue in English, French and German. Erickson’s character has a white face and red lips, but this fun- loving character is no clown; he simply wants to make sure everybody has a great time.

“This has been my dream role for about ten years,” Erickson said.

Melissa Hauschild, the choreographer for Cabaret, explains how the performance will incorporate large elements of jazz, social dance and tap dance. She created movement themes for common thematic material throughout the show.

Most performers had roughly one to two weeks to learn all the material. “I applaud the actors for learning the pieces in such a short time period,” said Hauschild.

“I want people to enjoy the show and appreciate all its elements, especially since this is a show nobody has ever seen on campus,” Hayes said.

“If you come to Cabaret, do not expect a fairy tale ending,” Brubakken said.

“This performance will make you come to grips with reality in this day and age,” Peterson said. “It may be rather somber, but I hope they leave humming Cabaret, if nothing else.”

The performance will be held on Oct. 24-27 in the Doner Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. and a matinee on Oct. 27 at 2:00 p.m.

Imagine a store that sold great name brand clothing such as Hollister, Abercrombie, Buckle and more for 70% less then the average sale price. After Best Friend’s Closet closed in July, Sara Rowland, the new owner of Trendz, offers a new urbanized style of clothing for less.

Trendz offers name brand shoes, jeans, shirts, hoodies, sweaters and more. “Our store specializes in teenagers and young adults for both men and women,” Rowland said.

“It is a great place to shop for name brand clothing at a great price,” said Laura Salonen, a junior in early childhood education major.

Salonen shops at Trendz frequently, purchasing coats, shirts and jeans.

The name Trendz is known for the “It” factor. “It just felt right. It was the best way to describe a store promoting a new age style of clothing,” said Rowland.

Since the birth of Trendz, Rowland has changed the design layout, increased customer service and has prospects for expansion within Brookings. As a visionary, Rowland wants to change how people perceive second-hand shopping while inspiring all ages to get involved with the newest trends.

Freshman nursing major Katelyn Bau entered the store and was instantly greeted and assisted by an employee of Trendz. “They were all very hospitable and knew precisely what I wanted with little work on my part,” Bau said.

“Hands down, our employees are amazing,” Rowland said.

“I bought an Abercrombie sweater for six dollars. Trendz definitely lives up to its name with great prices,” said Katherine Mowery, a sophomore interior design major.

If you are interested in selling clothes through Trendz, there are two options. You may sell clothing directly to the store for 20% of the value price or wait for clothing to sell on the consignment basis for 50% of the value.

Rowland encourages everyone to go through his or her closets. Trendz is always chasing after the latest fashion and will rarely accept clothing older than two years unless it is in style and in good condition. This is how Trendz keeps their reputation of selling fashionable quality clothing for a cheaper price.

“Not something you see in Brookings. Trendz has an awesome twist as opposed to the normality Brookings is used to,” Kerri Bolzer a senior at Brookings High School, said.

Rowland is also the owner of Planet Kids another store in the resale business specializing in children’s toys and clothing.

Trendz is open Monday through Wednesday and Friday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursdays 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Trendz is also a great advocate to the community. Not only does Trendz sponsor local charity events, but also for every 90 days all unsold clothing is donated to the Brookings Area Abuse Shelter.

According to Pam Beck, the co-director of the abuse shelter, 394 victims were clothed and sheltered in 2005. With the help of store owners like Rowland and the Brookings community, they can continue to help citizens in need.

You may contact Trendz at style4trendz@hotmail.com or (605)-697-7443.

Persuasive young men and women will not take no for an answer as they pressure students to subscribe to fraudulent magazines with credible names such as Sports Illustrated and Newsweek. Students are asked to pay up front and sometimes never hear from the seller or the magazine company they supposedly ordered from.

Director of Residential Life Michael Kervin says this is not a new problem. Usually reports of illegal soliciting come in two to three times a semester. These numbers exclude the solicitors that are never reported.

It is difficult for Resident Assistants (RAs) to distinguish a seller from a student since most are within the ages of 18-25. This means it is up to students to report any soliciting they experience at their door or near their hall to an RA right away.

“I call the cops right away,” says Kristen Carlisle, the residential director of Hansen Hall. She has dealt with this problem in the past and feels that it is the college’s responsibility to maintain a safe and welcome atmosphere for students in their halls.

Typically solicitors are matched with the opposite sex to keep the interest between the buyer and seller. Misty Archer, the residential director of Mathews Hall, confronted a solicitor before the University Police Department (UPD) escorted her off the campus. The solicitor would not disclose any information about what company she worked for, only revealing that she was a member of a particular sub-division dropped off somewhere outside the campus area. Many solicitors travel in large groups with a particular quota to meet. Archer also said the solicitor was wearing an SDSU Jacks T-shirt and had a school backpack over one shoulder.

Lieutenant Michael L. Kilber explained that a Brookings city ordinance (ordinance 51, ord. 3-99 & 3-5) clearly states that all unauthorized personnel are prohibited where a sign is properly posted. UPD will typically escort any trespassers from campus and will arrest that person if he/she commits the same offense again. This provides a grace period and makes it easy for the larger groups to send other members to commit the same offense without suffering any major ramifications as opposed to sending the same seller back multiple times.

“As long as there is advertisement, there will be people using it to their advantage,” says Kilber.

Illegal soliciting goes farther then magazines here at SDSU. Whether it is cases of fraudulent credit card companies, false financial representatives or pleasant individuals giving out T-shirts for phone numbers, all are dangerous.

“They claim to be poor college students who have almost met their quota if only you give them that final boost,” said Natalie Krier, a freshman biology major. Krier experienced a solicitor first hand in Brown Hall her first week after moving in. Her neighbor was pressured into subscribing to a Christian-based magazine. Shortly after the purchase, Krier’s friend had second thoughts and requested a refund. The seller refused to return the purchase, claiming he had already turned in the check. The solicitor’s stubborn response was soon overruled when Senior Resident Assistant Amanda Jensen was notified about the situation.

Chief of University Police, Tim Heaton, does not foresee this problem disappearing. He feels that the best solution is to educate students and work with the RAs.