Oakland University is full of hidden talent that many don’t get a chance to express; however, every year on one night, they are allowed to express themselves and their creativity freely.
The Student Program Board (SPB), which strives to enhance student life through high-quality and diverse programs, activities, and events for the OU community, hosted its annual “OU Has Talent” show on Thursday, Nov. 20, in the Habitat. The show featured 12 acts, including both group and individual performances.
“I think it brings everybody together,” Sommer Fishpaw, president of SPB, said. “I see how many people show up for this event to support their friends. I did the show last year and it was a lot of fun and I just had a sense of community in the talent show. I think the talent show presents the opportunity to those students who feel like they aren’t seen in the arts.”
SPB has been putting on this annual talent show for years, starting with open auditions that invite students to showcase their abilities for a chance to earn a spot in the event.
“We base the selections on what we think the student body would be interested in,” Fishpaw said. “We try to find something that would be appropriate for students to see here on campus and just find those students who have talent.”
This annual talent show is one of the most loved and anticipated events of the year, showcasing student talents such as singing, dancing and expressive art. Friends, family, students and faculty filled The Habitat in support of the performers, creating an atmosphere full of cheers and positivity.
“My roommate is part of the Infinity dance team, that’s why I’m here tonight,” student attendee Tamaya Monday said. “I feel like Oakland doesn’t really give us a chance to be individualistic and this is a great opportunity for students to showcase their individuality.”
Another student attendee, who came to the show to support a friend performing, shared her thoughts on the event.
“I think it’s amazing, especially because you saw so many diverse individuals, like you saw an Indian classical dance, hip hop, singing, you got to see it all,” student attendee Huda Rao said. “You’re able to see how diverse the student body is. I think it’s important because it develops and supports an inclusive environment and I think the only way you’re going to get more people to come to this university is if you show that you’re being inclusive.”
The president of Infinity, a student dance team focused on hip-hop and K-pop dance, shared the value of both participating in the talent show and attending to support other performers.
“I think if there was a world where we took [the talent show] away, it would make students miss a lot of networking opportunities,” Denetria Gibson said. “I think a lot of people come out and see this and they find new things to be involved in. I know a lot of our members found us through the talent show.”
Although the night was filled with singing and dancing, a mix of styles made the show unique, including K-pop dance, piano performances, tap dancing, expressive art dance, and traditional Indian dance. The variety of performances highlighted the diversity of the OU campus community and the importance of celebrating and sharing different cultures and talents.
“I’ve been learning classical dance for 13 years and I never really got a chance to show it or portray it in my college and this was a perfect opportunity to do so,” traditional Indian dance performer Amrata Balur said. “I feel like Indian classical dance is really underrepresented and I know no one really knows about it, so I felt like it was sort of my responsibility to bring it forward and show people the beauty of it.”
The night’s performances captivated the audience and judges, highlighting the creativity, talent and diversity of OU’s students.
“Well, it confirmed that Oakland absolutely has talent, right?” Dean Graeme Harper of the Honors College, a judge for the show, said. “It was spectacular, and it was really hard to choose between the different acts, because there was some fabulous stuff, very different. Not everybody was doing the same thing. It was a tough call, really. Just a really great experience.”
The show concluded with the three judges selecting the top three winners, along with a people’s choice award. First place went to the Infinity dance team, who received a $250 prize; second place went to singer Arwen Burkey, with a $150 prize; and third place went to traditional Indian dancer Amrata Balur, who earned $100. The people’s choice award was won by the dance team Intrigue.
