If you walk into the lower lounge at Douglas or Lincoln Hall, you might find an energetic group of students dancing up a storm to heavy urban beats.

The VIBE Dance Troupe meets three times a week to dance to mainly hip-hop and R&B music.

Comprised of more than 20 male and female students, VIBE aims improve students’ rhythm and movement skills.

The group started in 1998, and members have danced to music by artists such as Christina Aguilera and Busta Rhymes.

“I really enjoy VIBE,” said Cindy Bronson, a VIBE member and sophomore pre-communication studies major.

Last year, VIBE performed at Illinois State University and the University of Illinois. The group also won a dance competition at ISU, VIBE president Lateddra Allensaid. This year’s performance plans still are unclear, but Bronson said VIBE hopes to perform Homecoming weekend, which starts Oct. 17.

VIBE also plans to raise funds for outfits and do some community service work.

Sheldena Bell, a sophomore undecided major, said members bring diverse skills to VIBE.

“Everyone has his or her own little talent,” Bell said. “They’re really creative, dancing to songs you wouldn’t think you could dance to.”

Bronson and Bell both joined VIBE freshmen year. Bronson heard about the group from a friend who had to audition by learning a dance and choreographing a 90-second dance of her own.

“Auditions weren’t hard,” Bell said. “They just make you nervous in case you mess up.”

Only about half of the people who audition make it, Bronson said. She has been active in dance for a long time, participating in dance groups through school and church. She said she doesn’t find it hard to fit the meetings in her schedule and gets a good workout by attending the meetings.

“You sweat a lot and get really tired,” Bronson said.

VIBE meets Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings at either Lincoln Hall, Douglas Hall or the Student Recreation Center.