Campus to host Republican presidential debate By Isabella Cueto Assistant News Editor
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he University of Miami will play a role in the selection of the next Republican nominee for the 2016 presidential election. The Republican National Committee announced Wednesday that the school will host a debate on March 10, according to the Miami Herald. The debate will be five days before the Florida Republican primary and one day after a Democratic primary debate will be held at Miami Dade College. CNN, the Washington Times and Salem Radio Network will lead the debate. During the 2008 presidential election cycle, the school hosted primary debates for both the Republican and Democratic parties. Both were led by Univision. UM also hosted a general election debate between President George W. Bush and John Kerry in 2004. Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, as well as Florida Senator and UM Law School grad Marco Rubio, could be involved in the debate if they make it through the month and a half of caucuses leading up the debate, which is the last scheduled debate in the Republican primary cycle. A University spokesperson did not confirm or deny the report. Chris Dalton, President of the UM College Republicans, was excited to hear the Republican nominees would be debating at the school. “The announcement that the University of Miami will host a Republican Primary Debate is exciting news for the entire UM family. College students will bear the burden of the priorities and policies of the next president, and as such we are eager to play such a vital role in helping to vet and select the next commander-in-chief. As an organization, the University of Miami College Republicans have been actively following all of the debates and are excited at the prospect of not only being able to watch a debate live, but to host it right on our campus. Just five days before the Florida primary, this debate could be the deciding factor for many voters here in Florida. Regardless political party, all 16,000 students are fortunate to have this major campaign event happening at the University of Miami.”
Evelyn Choi // Staff Photographer
BREAKING IT DOWN: Kaos President Megan Bullock kicks up into a headstand during the Kaos Kickoff Showcase Wednesday night at the Rock. The event was originally scheduled for the fall semester, but was rescheduled due to inclement weather.
KAOS performance showcases hip-hop, contemporary dance By Justin Lei Contributing News Writer
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hen University of Miami coed hip-hop team KAOS’s fall showcase was rained out, the team decided to spend the semester perfecting their routines for a spring showcase which was held Wednesday night on the Rock. The performance included a mix of various styles of hip-hop and contemporary dance. Two dancers from Controlled KAOS, a group in Hialeah started by a few of the original UM
KAOS members, were guest performers alongside Hurricane Bhangra, UJhoom and others, some of whom were KAOS alums. The dances of the night were primarily choreographed by various members of KAOS with the help of local Miami dancers, including KAOS alum Rickey Pierre and dancer Christian Castillo. Though not trained in dance, junior Montana Pflaster and other dancers found the guidance of the local choreographers and alumni to be helpful in perfecting their performances. The team practiced intensely for the week leading up to the showcase, with some practices lasting until the sun came up. “We felt really good about this and we were super prepared,” sophomore Eli Furman said about the time they had to fine-tune their routine. The team’s hard work paid off at the end of the night with the support of a large crowd of students.
“I’m literally always in awe when I see these showcases and I admire their passion,” said sophomore Swetha Davuluri. Attendee Shawn Peter also found the performances highly entertaining. “There were a lot of different types of styles and the finale blew it out of the park,” he said. Even after successful performances like this showcase, the team still works hard to further improve their moves. “Right after the show, we’re all going to go to the president’s house and watch our performance,” said junior member Raphaelle Kernisant. But for the team, KAOS is more than just focusing on their performances, it’s about connecting with one another. “We’re not just a crew, we’re really a family,” Pflaster said.
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