Students participate in the Homecoming Lip Sync at Gampel Pavilion in Storrs, Connecticut on Monday, Oct. 12, 2015. (Jason Jiang/The Daily Campus)
Gampel Pavilion erupted in many screams and cheers as UConn’s Homecoming’s Lip Sync competition showcased performances from cultural centers, fraternities, sororities and learning communities.
“I think it really showed the meaning of being part of this school,” fifth semester environmental science major Francesca Chan said. “It really was such a good college experience.”
Among the performances, UConn Irish’s “James Bond” themed act featured the organization’s signature Irish dance. The performance unexpectedly ended with DJ Khalid’s “All I Do Is Win,” causing a majority of the audience to join in by throwing their hands in the air in support.
The Puerto Rican and Latin American Cultural Center showcased an Austin Powers themed act in which Dr. Evil steals the mojo from Powers, who needs it to graduate school and become a special agent. The performance ended with students dancing salsa as Powers and Dr. Evil fight for the mojo at center stage.
“I think the best part was that it brought together an organization that I love,” sixth semester communications major Josh Colon said. “I was able to represent my culture alongside the Puerto Rican and Latin American Cultural Center.”
The Asian American Cultural Center adopted a “Pirates of the Caribbean” theme in their act. Captain Jack Sparrow and friends embarked on a journey at sea where Davy Jones and the Kraken confronted them. The performance featured a group of bhangra dancers and a large Kraken prop that was wheeled onto stage in the middle of the act.
Jack Sparrow and Austin powers were not the only characters on stage. The African American Cultural Center’s theme was “Shrek.” Naomi was taken captive by Lord Farquaad because UConn’s supposed lack of school spirit, but with the help of Jonathan, she was released. One part of the performance featured a solo dance by a few students in the middle of the stage, surrounded by the rest who were humming along to the rhythm in unison.
Besides cultural centers, the UConn marching band joined Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma in a “High School Musical” themed performance full of bass drums and twirling flags.
Alpha Epsilon Phi, Sigma Phi Epsilon and Phi Gamma Delta teamed up for a performance based on “The Lion King,” in which Jonathan the Husky meets Timon and Pumbaa to learn the value of friendship. The act featured a large group of students dressed in white and dancing to Shakira’s “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” and Simba’s “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King.” At the end, the group joined hands to the opening of Swedish House Mafia’s “Don’t You Worry Child.”
As the competition came to an end, Gamma Phi Betta, Alpha Kappa Lambda and Beta Theta Pi came out with Yoda, Chewbacca, Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker. The “Star Wars” themed performance included a light saber fight between Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker during a dance sequence.
“It was very entertaining,” fifth semester allied health major Alex Rodriguez said. “But my favorite has got to be [Puerto Rican and Latin American Cultural Center].”