Final Project - Maris Medina

'It's like one big family': University of Maryland students by day, Phunktions dancers by night

Gerardo Esguerra (left) and Cedric Tanoh (right) sneak some dance moves as Phunktions directors lead the team meeting at the beginning of their practice. Directors share necessary updates and announcements at the meeting on Dec. 2, 2019. (Photo by Maris Medina)

Phunktions dancers warm up before practicing their routines on Dec. 2, 2019. The dance team focuses primarily on hip-hop, including different styles like contemporary hip-hop. (Photo by Maris Medina)

Administrative Director Hanna Gaskin stretches out her upper body before practice on Dec. 2, 2019. Gaskin is a sophomore Hearing and Speech Sciences student. She took on the leadership role at the start of the semester. (Photo by Maris Medina)

The team stretches together before practice on Dec. 2, 2019. Phunktions has 30 members this semester, a large increase from around 19 members last semester, according to Administrative Director Hanna Gaskin. (Photo by Maris Medina)



The team goes through more stretching exercises before diving into their first routines on Dec. 2, 2019. Ramya Bogg (left), an Animal Science student, has been dancing with the team for a year. (Photo by Maris Medina)

Phunktions member Vince De Guzman grins during a run through at practice on Dec. 2, 2019. (Photo by Maris Medina) 

Gaskin, a member of the team for a little over a year, says that Phunktions is a large time commitment. Practices run 2 to 3 times a week for upwards to 8 hours during competition season. "But I love it," she says. (Photo by Maris Medina)

Phunktions dancers run through a practice on Dec. 2, 2019. Gaskin says that although the dance team is much larger than last semester's, it still feels close-knit. "I really do consider all of them my family," she says. "It’s much larger, but it’s still just as close.” (Photo by Maris Medina)

Phunktions run through a routine at practice on Nov. 11, 2019. The team performs at on-campus event like Stamp's All-Niter and off-campus competitions in the area. (Photo by Maris Medina)

Korie Gwynn looks on at her reflection in between run-throughs while Tiffany Ospino works on homework during practice on Nov. 11, 2019. When members aren't performing a particular set, they complete their homework on the side. (Photo by Maris Medina)

Rebecca Jang practices a move during practice on Dec. 2, 2019. Bogg says that during competition season,  Thursday practices can run until midnight. (Photo by Maris Medina)

Phunktions members sport a variety of clothes during practice on Dec. 2, 2019. As Administrative Director, Gaskin is in charge of coordinating performance attire during off and on-campus showcases or competitions. (Photo by Maris Medina)

Turk Hasnan stretches an arm while giving pointers to his dance team members during practice on Dec. 2, 2019. Gaskin says that choreographers can range from team members to alums as well as other dancers in the DMV area. (Photo by Maris Medina)

Bogg laughs after running through a set at practice on Dec. 2, 2019. Although she aspires to be a veterinarian or researcher, she's not letting go off dance post-graduation. “I want to keep dancing for the rest of my life," Bogg says. "I was thinking of working on a cruise ship…Dance will always be a part of my life no matter what career I choose.” (Photo by Maris Medina)

Monday practice on Nov. 11 is a flurry of motion as dancers rehearse routines. Bogg describes the team as a supportive network. "They want you to improve," she says. "We just want the best for each other." (Photo by Maris Medina)

Turk Hasnan grins at a fellow Phunktions member during practice on Dec. 2, 2019. To Bogg, dance is an outlet and bonding experience. "If you’re angry, you’re sad, you’re happy, you can always just dance it out," she says. "You’re with your team and you’re just having a great time, and the crowd is screaming. It’s one of the best feelings in the world.” (Photo by Maris Medina)