Maximus' hands and feet moved swiftly, his eyes bright and forehead glistening with the sweat of concentration.
The sound of the music and the audience's cheers only increased the intensity of his steps.
Charles Lee, known as "Maximus" to his fraternity brothers, was the coordinator of the 26th annual Blue and White Weekend Ultimate Step Show Friday in the Reitz Union Amphitheater.
The event was hosted by UF's chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, a traditionally black organization. The weekend's events included a step show, movie night, parties and a comedy show.
Participation in the step show was limited to members of Phi Beta Sigma, known as Sigmas, and their sister organization, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, known as Zetas.
Seven groups competed for the first-place trophy.
Performances were judged based on the reaction of the crowd of more than 1,000 people, said Lee, an anthropology junior.
A team from Miami consisting of members of Florida Memorial University's Sigmas and Zetas won first place.
During their routine, one performer hoisted his fraternity brother onto his shoulders and continued to step. The audience roared enthusiastically.
Lee's team, consisting of members of UF's Sigmas and Zetas, did not compete, he said. They performed because it is tradition for the host chapter to open the event.
Lee said he's normally a shy person, but he has learned to enjoy the thrill of entertaining an audience since joining the fraternity in spring 2007.
"It doesn't bother me anymore," he said. "I kind of get excited about it."
Josh Garmizo, a UF freshman, said this was the first time he'd ever attended a step show.
Garmizo had never heard of the fraternity hosting the step show but said he enjoyed watching.
He was so impressed by the routines that he said he wants to learn how to step.
"I probably can't, but still, it looked cool," he said.
Garmizo thought having the event at the Reitz Union was perfect because a lot of people walking by were drawn in.
Kandice Lloyd, a UF advertising senior, said she's attended Blue and White Weekend since she was a child.
Lloyd's father was a member of the UF chapter.
She thought this year's events were more accessible to the public and allowed for a larger crowd. Lloyd said Blue and White Weekend makes a mark on the community in a positive way.
"They have something that stands out and makes them unique," she said of the fraternity.
Blue and White Weekend Director Travis Merine said the fraternity tries to make attendees into "fans for life" so that they continue to support the weekend every year.
Merine, a business management junior, said the event is about more than just having fun. It's also about philanthropy.
"It's important to not only the University of Florida but also to the local community of Gainesville," he said. "We donate most of our proceeds to local organizations and charities around town."
The fraternity did not release how much money it raised, and members have not yet decided which charities proceeds will go toward.
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