Friday, May 23, 2025
Daisy Gower The Dirty Rooster Saloon will host dance classes from Pepper’s Dance Group every from 6:30-8:30.
Cultivating ‘family’ through dance How Pepper’s Dance Group is bringing people together
W
B Y M J N YA M D AVA A hat started as a
founder of Pepper’s Dance Group, hopes to instill a growing family of line dancers in Oklahoma united by rhythm, movement and spontaneous idea in a local connection. gym has turned into a vibrant “I just remember thinking, community sensation, ‘Somebody needs to do attracting dancers from this,’” Vold said. “And then I across Oklahoma and realized—why not me?” beyond. Pepper Vold, the Two and a half years
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S TA F F R E P O R T E R
ago, Vold began teaching line dance classes at Body Works Gym in Stillwater, and within a month, her classes outgrew the space. The group moved to Outlaws, then the legendary Tumbleweed Dancehall and most recently to the Dirty Rooster for the summer months.
Today, Vold leads line dancing classes in Stillwater every Thursday night at the Dirty Rooster from 6:30–8:30, Friday nights at Oklahoma Ranch in Oklahoma City from 9–10 and Saturday brunch sessions at HillyWilly’s from 1:30–2:30 p.m., also in OKC. The once-small group
has become a movement, with 50 to 60 regulars in Stillwater alone and a traveling team of about 12 to 15 dedicated dancers who help teach, perform and represent Pepper’s group at public events, conventions and showcases.
See PEPPER’S on page 2
Why the ‘F-word’ has become threat to local shops, sports jersey sellers BRYSON THADHANI
SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR
Column For Mother’s Day, I wanted to get my mom, a Clemson alum and lifelong Cowboys fan, a Phil Mafah Dallas Cowboys jersey. Instead, I found myself stuck. I had two options: A $200 Fanatics
jersey, or a $20 knockoff from DHGate. There was no middle ground. No instore alternative. Just a choice between overpriced or fake. Fanatics is the only game in town. Across nearly every major American sport — NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and even college athletics — Fanatics has carved out a near-total monopoly on fan apparel. It controls both the production and sale of most official jerseys and sports merchandise.
See ‘F-WORD’ on page 2
Raynee Howell Jake Taylor, a senior music industry student, performs at Modella Art Gallery.
Modella Art Gallery supports students of Lincoln Academy, features OSU musician RAYNEE HOWELL
walls were covered in artwork from students of Lincoln Academy, the alternative school for Stillwater High School. Some of the drawings were inspired by Ralph Steadman’s work, which was shown at the recent exhibit Nestled in downtown Stillwater at the OSU Museum of Art. Other between local boutiques and pieces were projects completed in restaurants is a nonprofit art gallery Lincoln Academy’s art club. with one mission. The gallery partnered with the Modella Art Gallery provides a space school to celebrate and showcase the for emerging and established artists to showcase their artwork. Each third new clubs and programs it offers. Principal George Horton beamed with Saturday of the month, the gallery hosts live music from local performers. pride as he witnessed his students show off what they’ve learned. Last Friday was different from the typical Music at Modella event. The ASSISTANT NEWS & LIFESTYLE EDITOR @RAYNEEHOWELL
Daisy Gower Chris’ University Spirit is one of Stillwater’s local businesses directly affected by major jersey-selling tactics. It’s a challenge for smaller retailers to compete with Fanatics, a brand with a strong national presence.
See MODELLA on page 3