Elite modeling troupe made Memorial Auditorium their runway during their Elite’s Next Top Model performance as a part of Shippenburg’s UMOJA Conference, also known as Statewide. 

Statewide is a series of events on campus presented by Shippensburg’s Latino Student Organization (LSO) and Black Student Union (BSU) celebrating unity between students on campus. 

The event was titled “Elite’s Next Top Model,” similar to the title of the reality show “America’s Next Top Model.” Much like the setup of the reality show, the event was sectioned off into a series of themed style categories, challenging the models to adhere to each theme.

Upon entering Memorial, the audience instantly felt the vibes thanks to heavy beats and impressive transitions from DJ Boogzondabeat. The event hosted performances by Heritage Dance Company and Beni Models Inc.

The performance began with the models introducing themselves by their model names, including “Miss Piggy,” “Aries” and “Sasha Fierce.” The introduction was then followed by a rap performance by rapper and Shippensburg student $B. $B performed her own original song that got the audience out of their seats as they sang along. 

From owning the runway to exotic dance numbers, Elite modeling troupe made the event their opportunity to express themselves while strutting their stuff in six-inch pumps. Before a 15-minute intermission, Heritage Dance Company showed off a fun and energetic dance number that got everyone on their feet.

After the intermission, there was a “wild west” themed portion of the program. For this category, the models donned rhinestone-studded cowgirl hats and served country realness in stylish western gear. This was followed by another synchronized dance number.

The show then moved on to a goth category, with all models dressed in latex and black miniskirts with black fingerless gloves. The Elite models then did another synchronized dance to Beyonce’s “6 Inch” while in six-inch heels. 

Rapper $B came out once again to perform another original song. For the final segment of the performance, the models scoured the audience to model for the last category: “Femme queen realness.” This gave the audience a chance to flaunt their self-expression while they showed off their moves together, aligning perfectly with Statewide’s mission to bring unity to campus.

Rapper $B was thrilled to see a great turnout after an anxiety-inducing preparation for her first ever performance. “It was really nerve-wracking,” she said. “The only other time I’ve done something like this was at a talent show. I’m not really a performer, but I did it.”

“I think the event was great for people to get together,” $B said. “But since they invited me here to do it, I was so excited to be invited and to be included.”

To stay updated on future events by the Elite modeling troupe, follow Elite on Instagram at @Elite_modelingtroupe. 

Share