One night there was nothing to do at Chapman. Actually, there is never really much to do during the nighttime at Chapman. So a campus dance club was born. Created by seniors Matt Sullivan and Taylor Darnall, the MoD Squad, which stands for “mediocre dancers”, is for anyone who wants to have fun and relieve stress through dancing in a non-judgmental environment.
The MoD Squad was inspired by the Yelle music video, said Sullivan. They encourage others to express their own personalities through what they are wearing. Many who dance can be seen in eclectic clothing like high-top sneakers, sunglasses, skinny jeans, headbands and vintage wear.
This is not an official Chapman club, so anyone can join at any time and can frequent the dance parties whenever they choose. People often come back to MoD Squad because it is a great way to relieve the stresses of their week, meet new people, have fun and be themselves.
“There are a lot of people who come every week that I would consider ‘regulars,’ but there are also new people that come and go,” said Sullivan. “We encourage anyone and everyone to come, no matter how good or bad their dancing may be.”
The MoD playlist includes: electronic, house and European dance music, as well a small amount of top-40 songs like “Low” by Flo Rida, “Disturbia” by Rihanna and “Heartless” by Kanye West. The official DJs of the squad are Dillon Morris, better known as “moredillon” and Andrew “Swani” Swanson, known as “St. Andrew”. They create mixes for each meeting of the MoD Squad and often DJ the events live as well. The MoD Squad has also hosted special events such as last semester’s on-campus dance party after the “undie run.”
“We’re also trying to do fieldtrips to concerts and we’re looking to expand to other campuses,” said Sullivan,
The MoD Squad is always looking for more DJs, said Sullivan. Music played at dances can be downloaded from the group’s Facebook page.
The MoD Squad meets every Thursday night at 10:15 p.m. on the second floor of the Lastinger parking structure, located under the football field. From there, they usually dance in the Piazza, near various Chapman fountains, and around other central areas on campus such as by the panther statue, the cafeteria and Oliphant Hall.
For more information about the MoD Squad, join their Facebook group to receive updates, see pictures, and check out the music. They also have an official site at www.chapmanmodsquad.com Special events will also be advertised on their group page.
