APU’s hip-hop dance team, Variety For One (VFO) hosted their annual M.A.N.A performance on March 17. Each year, they use their event to raise awareness for different causes. This year’s issue was mental illness. VFO partnered with S.T.R.O.N.G., an on-campus club that functions as a support group for students with chronic pain and other illnesses that interfere with their daily lives.
VFO dancers warming up before the event. Photo courtesy of Micaela Ricaforte
VFO dancers during the opening performance. Photo courtesy of Micaela Ricaforte
UMOJA step team performing its step sequence. Photo courtesy of Micaela Ricaforte
“We wanted to raise awareness for mental illness through dance, spoken word and music to show our support for those with mental illnesses at APU, let them know that they’re worth something and where they can find that support,” said Andy Plascencia, a VFO dancer and a sophomore molecular biology major. Photo courtesy of Micaela Ricaforte
“We strategically chose the music and visuals because we wanted everything to pertain to the different issues people struggle with. Here we’re performing to Logic’s song 1-800-273-8255,” said Danielle Mayoral, a VFO dancer and junior kinesiology major. Photo courtesy of Micaela Ricaforte
Hula dancers from the Pacific Islanders Organization (PIO) perform their hula. Photo courtesy of Micaela Ricaforte
Dancers performing an interpretive dance duet. Photo courtesy of Micaela Ricaforte