'Big Men' bring it for charity

With scantily clothed men and inventive dance routines, the “Red, White & BMOC: Big Man on Campus 2011” event was well received by performers and audience members on Wednesday night.

The annual male dancing competition, organized by Alpha Chi Omega to benefit the charity Women Against Violence, took place in The Roxxy nightclub.

The competition was split into junior and senior categories and involved single and group acts. In each performance, the boys attempted to entertain an amused audience and a panel of judges while wearing increasingly revealing outfits.

Atlee Melillo, a 2011 College graduate and former AXO president, served as one of the judges. “I was looking for performances with challenging choreography and superb execution,” she said. The judges added that the energy the audience felt during the performance was also important.

The winner of the senior competition, Neil Dubey, a College student who also won last year’s junior competition, was pleased with his success. “Winning was not everything, but I’m happy with the outcome. The important thing is that I had a blast. I think the crowd liked my signature Bollywood and hip-hop dance moves,” the “Big Man” said.

Second and third places in the senior competition went to Wharton senior Sam Berger and College senior Derek Vigoa, respectively. Wharton junior Peter Hobson won the title in the junior competition.

Judge Adie Remiker, a 2011 College graduate and AXO alumna, added that, “It’s very hard to get up there and all the contestants did a great job. Neil was dynamic and you can tell he has a lot of fans in the crowd.”

The promoted charity’s cause, which aims to end domestic violence against women and abusive relationships, resonated strongly. “It’s a very important cause which is often neglected,” Dubey said. “You don’t really realize the horror [abused women] go through, afraid in their own home.” Performer and College sophomore Tara González added that “the competition was a really good experience, with people coming together to raise money for a cause with a really fun event.”

Although AXO does not yet know how much money the event will raise, last year’s competition made over $8,000 for charity.

The audience seemed to enjoy the event as well. Alexander Reddy, a College sophomore, felt that “it was a really fun event for a good cause.” College freshman Jessica Mareer added that it was a “really entertaining night” and that she was glad she came.

SEE ALSO

Gallery: Big Man on Campus 2011”
“34th Street: Ego of the Week: BMOC”:http://34st.com/2011/11/ego-of-the-week-the-big-men-on-campus/”

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