Sororities Best Dance Crew (SBDC) is back this spring, providing hilarious entertainment to the San Luis Obispo community while raising thousands of dollars for the SLO Big Brothers Big Sisters organization. Big Brothers Big Sisters is a youth mentoring program where children, known as “littles,” are paired with trained adult mentors, or “bigs.” Together, the bigs and littles plan outings such as playing sports, going to the movies, or making music, fostering valuable relationships and formative experiences for SLO’s youth.
SBDC takes weeks of planning, preparation, and practice. Members from every sorority host auditions and create teams, which are then assigned four to five Theta Chi members to participate in the dance. With group practices lasting multiple hours each week for months leading up to the event, SBDC training requires a significant time commitment and dedication to the cause. Since becoming a tradition at Cal Poly in 2011, the philanthropy has meant a great deal to many students involved.
Alex, a senior statistics major, explains, “I started doing SBDC my freshman year of college, and it has definitely been a highlight. You get really close to your team because you’re learning and performing a dance together, and it becomes something you all share.”
Each team is also assigned two captains who choreograph and teach the routine. Jasmine Gatus, a member of the Delta Gamma sorority at Cal Poly and co-captain of one of the SBDC dance teams, remarks, “I’ve been doing this since my freshman year, but this is my first year coaching. It’s really cool—we plan the mix and then create the choreography.”
Many students who participate in SBDC during their freshman year continue throughout the rest of their time in college because of the meaningful memories and friendships they often form along the way.
Beyond the competition itself, the event raises money for Big Brothers Big Sisters and increases awareness for the nonprofit, encouraging volunteers and attracting community sponsors. Community members can support the cause and enjoy a night of entertainment by attending the event. Keep an eye out for event dates and ticket announcements on the Cal Poly Theta Chi Instagram.