You may have seen her before at last year’s Greek Week competition, or maybe at this year’s Michigan’s Best Dance Crew competition, but Maggie Arko is definitely not just an average neuroscience major. Maggie is part of the University of Michigan co-ed dance group, EnCore, best known for their amazing hip hop style. HerCampus gets an inside look into what drives and inspires Maggie through dance and why EnCore is her second family.
HC: Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I am a sophomore majoring in neuroscience from Philadelphia, PA. I applied to Michigan on a whim, but decided to come here because it has everything I could ever want – good academics, athletics/school spirit, tradition, and dance.
HC: I have seen your AMAZING performance at Greek Week 2011 with your dance group, EnCore. Please describe your background in dance and what brought you join
EnCore.
My mom took me to see the Nutcracker when I was 2 years old, and right away I was hooked. She signed me up for baby ballet classes immediately, and I’ve been dancing ever since. Throughout middle and high school I did all types of dance: jazz, tap, ballet, modern, and hip-hop. When I came to Michigan, I knew I wanted to join some sort of dance club. I spent the summer researching different groups on campus, but it wasn’t until September when I stumbled upon a flyer for EnCore auditions. I looked them up on YouTube, and absolutely loved the choreography. I was beyond ecstatic when I made the team.
HC: What makes EnCore different than other dance groups on campus?
The biggest difference between EnCore and all other dance groups is that we are a family. The dancers on the team are the greatest group of people you will ever meet. Of course we dance together, but we do so much more than that. They’re such a great support system and I am so thankful to be apart of the family. When I look back on my undergrad years, EnCore will be the first thing that comes to mind.
HC: What are the biggest challenge and your biggest triumph with dance?
The hardest thing I’ve ever had to do for dance was preparing for Dance Mix last year. The week before is known as “hell week” – we dance from 7pm-6am every single day for the week leading up to the performance. Each night got harder and harder, physically of course, but also mentally. However, we pulled through together as a team. Although the week really was hell, it was completely worth it when it came time to perform. It was the most amazing feeling to do what I love with the people I love.
HC: What’s your favorite style of dance and why?
That’s a really hard question. My answer constantly changes, but for right now I would say hip-hop. I love the style because you get to express yourself in every way imaginable – you can be angry and sad, thug, super girly, really funny, or anything. It’s awesome to see how many different varieties there are in just this one style. You can use it to express any emotion.
HC: How can our HerCampus readers get involved with EnCore or see a live
performance?
Come to Dance Mix! It is Friday, March 30 in the Power Center. It’s a great opportunity to see all different types of dance and performances, and of course EnCore!
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Mich chapter.