Students Prepare for 2024 Swerve Competition

Swerve competitors speak on why they love the annual fundraising competition so much.

New Kids on the Block perform their “Greatest Showman” themed winning routine for the 2023 Swerve competition. Photo Credit: MC Student Engagement

Since its founding, MC has provided unique traditions to bring its students together. One of these long-standing traditions is MC’s annual Swerve dance competition, which has been held since 2009. Clubs, tribes, and independent teams of students create and perform short dance routines. Guest judges decide the best routine, thus the winning team. Each team chooses a local philanthropy, and the winning teams’ philanthropy receives a portion of Swerve ticket sales. 

“Swerve has been one of my favorite things I have been a part of for the past four years at MC,” said Nenamoosha Swerve Co-chair Griffin Fleming. “It’s a fun opportunity that brought me out of my shell as a freshman. I love getting to work with everyone to bring the production together and being able to represent my tribe in front of the entire school.”

“Swerve has given me such an amazing outlet for creativity,” said Civitan Swerve performer Seth Blasingame. “Swerve is smaller than Follies, so all of us get to throw ideas out. Everyone is involved and everyone is valued.”

Swerve competitors love a variety of things about preparing for show night every year. “My favorite part preparing for show night has been being able to see the progress of the girls,” said Chenoa Swerve Co-chair  Kayce Stephan. “We started from brand new choreography, and to see it grow into a successful show has been very cool, and I’m very proud of their hard work.”

Chenoa delivered a energetic, nostalgic performance based on the late ‘90s animated TV show “Powerpuff" Girls.” (Photo Credit: MC Student Engagement)

“I think the most exciting part [of Swerve] is seeing it pay off,” said Shawreth President Cole Jones. “I love watching people’s early practicing compared to the night of. It’s clear everyone has put in so much time, both in terms of their newfound skill level and from the closeness they have with the rest of their team. It’s always really sweet to see.”

“The competitiveness of swerve keeps growing and each team gets more creative every year,” said Fleming. “It’s so exciting to be able to compete against amazing talent and see the other swerve chairs’ ingenuity!”

This year’s Swerve competition is taking place on Thursday, Feb. 29 at 9 p.m. in Swor Auditorium. Tickets went on sale on Feb. 6 and have been sold out. The Council will set up a livestream for those who would like to watch the performances online.