Sophia Kate sat on the floor in the large dance room behind the theatre with Aria and 18 other dancers. The current Senior Dance Officer for the Texas U Dancers was instructing them on the day's events. She looked strong and focused.

Sophia Kate had been mesmerized with Alexia Washington since witnessing her sophomore hip-hop routine to Beyoncé's Upgrade U. "This is a show, first and foremost. We are going to open up to the group routine you just learned and you will be scored by myself and the other officers," she said pointing at the two girls and guys behind her.

They were all seniors and graduating in the...