The crowd bursts into cheers as we walk out. The sound of coins clicking together on hip skirts reverberates through the gym walls. The crowd grows quiet as we stand still in our first move pose, waiting for the beat to drop. As soon as it does, we turn right, face the crowd and begin doing hip-circles. The crowd erupts.

Although most students were excited to see the performance, some students were shocked by the new addition to the belly dancing team, sophomore Luis Alvarez.

“It was unexpected,” senior Ericka Daniels said.

I have to admit, I was shocked myself walking into practice and seeing a guy standing there in a hip skirt with his shirt up. Freshman Kadijah Sheriff agrees with me.

“At first, seeing it was awkward and interesting,” Sheriff said.

 As Daniels said, it was really unexpected. Homosexuality is against my religion, so the first few practices were uncomfortable with Luis there. I eventually got over it once I got to know him, and I am glad I did. 

Other students, my fellow belly dancers and I are extremely proud of Luis. 

“It took a lot of courage,” freshman Ashley Eubanks said.

A lot of students, mostly female, admit Luis did a good job. 

“He did better than a lot of the girls,” sophomore Koteeri Riley said.

Some students begged to differ. Most male students interviewed said either the performance was gay or they did not like it.

“No dude should be shaking their booty,” senior Christopher McDade said.

Homosexuality is also against McDade’s religion.

“Everyone has the right to do what they want, but that was out of the norm,” senior Eric Lee said.

Lee does not believe Luis should be treated differently even though he did not appreciate Luis as a belly dancer.

Sophomores Ian Goetzinger and Eric Schabla said that it was not a problem for them.

“It’s a step further for King,” Gessingher said.

Despite some student’s beliefs, I applaud Luis for taking a risk, and I hope to see him in practice next year.