FOREST CITY – Nigeria native and Waldorf College freshman Aminat Oke took the initiative to create The Rhythmic Steppers, a student dance organization, on campus with one goal in mind – to have fun.
“I have always been into dance,” Oke said. “To me, dancing is freedom and a way to express oneself. That’s why I was so surprised to discover there was no dance team at Waldorf College!” And Oke is not the only one! The group already has 21 student members and big plans for the club’s future. “We already have fundraisers planned: bake sales, raffle drawings, and so on,” she said. Oke hopes to host several events on campus including dance performances, cheering at events, and student dance parties.
In the club creation process, Oke sought the help of Sharese Hall, Waldorf College first-year experience coordinator. “I had very little to do with the creation of The Rhythmic Steppers – Aminat had a vision in mind of what she wanted the club to represent and produce before seeking my advice,” she said. “After that, we sat down and went over sample club constitutions and the different steps she would need to go through.”
Establishing a student group at Waldorf College requires the creator to:
1. Seek out student interest by gathering signatures from peers.
2. Develop a constitution
3. Bring the constitution and short presentation in front of the Student Senate, where they can ask questions and learn more about the opportunity
4. Once approved by the Student Senate, clubs can request funding for projects, materials, and trips – which then is approved or disapproved by the senate
5. Once approved and funded, the club must remain active on campus to retain its accreditation from the college, and one representative must be present at the Wednesday senate meetings.
“It’s important that students know that college is all about sharing ideas and interests,” Hall said. “Creating interest groups, such as The Rhythmic Steppers, brings together people from different walks of life to a place where they can establish leadership and interpersonal skills.”
The Rhythmic Steppers is open to all students, especially those who are feeling homesick or are having a hard time socially. “As long as the person can move to the beat, you don’t have to be a good dancer to join,” Oke said. “This is a club where students can come together to have fun and be free.”
