Tri Trang of Worcester is the Force Behind Union College's Break Dancing Club

SCHENECTADY, NY (03/23/2011)(readMedia)-- Tri Trang of Worcester has been the guiding force behind the resurgence of break dancing at Union College in Schenectady, N.Y.

A new club is introducing novice and experienced dancers to the hip-shaking, head-spinning world of breaking.

Members of U Break, which usually attracts a dozen or so students, rehearse their moves several times a week in the Alumni Gym under the guidance of Trang, a member of Union's Class of 2012.

Breaking has evolved and become more physical since the height of its popularity in the '80s, said Trang, U Break's founder. The bulky, old school boom boxes have been replaced by razor-thin iPods. Parachute pants have been swapped out for low, baggy jeans.

"Break dancing kind of died and went away after the whole '80s fad," Trang said. "Other countries worldwide...took it to a whole new level. Now it's bigger than ever, and break dancing is a whole new style."

Matt Milless, director of Student Activities, said Union has had break dancing clubs in the past, but like poofed hair and shoulder pads, break dancing keeps coming back. "It adds another dynamic group to the 100 clubs and organizations we have on campus," he added.

U Break has performed at several events around campus, including a recent Black History Month celebration at Old Chapel.

See photos of Trang and U Break by clicking here.