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Sigma Chi and Delta Chi have been constructing the Homecoming Parade float and set pieces for other events such as MO State Live.
This year’s Homecoming theme “embodies all things Hollywood, entertainment and pop culture,” according to the 2024 MSU Homecoming packet.
Embracing the silver screen motif, Alpha Chi Omega refined their chapter’s Homecoming theme to a certain Blonde plastic doll that reigned over summer 2023. Their Greta Gerwig “Barbie”-inspired theme is further reflected by the chapter’s Homecoming Queen candidate Arden Dickson. Dickson created buttons advertising her campaign, reading “Arden 4 Queen” stylized in the signature Barbie font colored in pink.
Alpha Chi Omega’s “Barbie” theme is further entwined with their decoration designs, and serves as the foundation for their MO State Live performance. MO State Live is a creative performance event with music, dancing, acting and is meant to “showcase the organization’s pride for MSU and The Bears through fun performances,” according to the 2024 MSU Homecoming packet.
The Alpha Chi Omega member choreographing their chapter’s MO State Live performance is senior Hope Reeves. In early September, Reeves held tryouts for those wanting to perform in the event. Shortly thereafter, rehearsals began promptly. With the help of her co-choreographer Grace Rigabar, the two dancers had worked in their free time to choreograph a skit for 20 combined members from Alpha Chi Omega, Sigma Chi and Delta Chi. Now, the group rehearses three times a week for two hours.
The performance juggles the standard Barbie and Ken stereotypes, which are subverted by the end of the skit.
“We really wanted to play on that, and how Missouri State has really broken that stereotype, and that we can be whoever we want to be,” Reeves said. “College is the greatest opportunity to find yourself and figure out who you are.”
Reeves also enjoys getting to work with the MO State Live performers who have different levels of experience in dance, and watching everyone work together to execute a cohesive show.
Sophomore Josh Jubela, a pledge for Sigma Chi, has had fun being a performer for MO State Live, despite it being his first semester on campus and perhaps not having the best dancing skills.
“I kind of did it just because I wanted to get involved on campus,” he said. “I don’t dance — I’ve really never danced before — but it just seemed like a really good way to get involved, get to meet new people, and I really have enjoyed meeting everyone I’ve met so far.”
Working closely as a team and bonding with their fraternity pairings, Simpson and Hill have felt a greater sense of community. Simpson said she’s developed new relationships with girls from her chapter and enjoys connecting with members of Sigma Chi and Delta Chi she didn’t know before. Hill also values how inclusive Homecoming is.
“I think we’ve done a great job of including everybody, and I think Missouri State does that well,” Hill said. “We’re not only including (fraternity and sorority life), which is a huge part of Missouri State, but we’re including residence halls (and) clubs. Everybody has a chance to be a part of this, and that’s rare.”
