DYNAMIC DANCING DUO By Erin Raimondi Before ophomores Justice Laws and Ross Smith went their separate ways for summer 2016, they set up an Insrngram account called "Mocha Bros." It all started as a joke, but their first dance video had an overwhelming amount ofviews and positive feedback. "\Ve were nervous about the fir t video on the account because we weren't sure people were going to like it," Laws said. "It was just a weird dancing video. We were contemplating for a very long time that night whether we should post it or not. Then we said, 'Let's just do it."' The friendship that united Laws and Smith was unique because they were both very talented in their respective arts. Smith wa a singer involv din the a cappella group, Good News Singers. Laws had been a dancer since he was three years old and was involved in Harding's Chamber Singers and other choral groups. Both Laws and Smith performed in this year's Homecoming musical, as well. "Our friendship is so unique b cause we are imilar in a lot of things, but also we are still our own per on," Laws said. "We still have things that define us and make us different. When people see us they think we are brothers, and I kind of feel like he is my big brother." The Mocha Bros' account immediately gained recognition among students during the summer because ofthe song covers and dance videos that showcased their talents in a lighthearted way. Laws and Smith had not been friends for long when the account began, although the were both from 1-Iemphis, Tenne see. They met through mutual friends during spring 20 I 6 and realized how similar they both were. Laws said Smith acted as a mentor, as well as a friend to him. He said Smith's friendship had impacted his Harding experience in a positive way. "'Ne laugh a lot and we try to have as much fun as possible," Smith said. "At the ame time, we can be serious and be there for each other." Sophomore Sydney Warren was Mocha Bros' first guest star. They sang an a cappella cover of"Chandelier" by Sia. Warren said she was excited for the account because she knew it would be fun for her friends. Both of their talents and personalities made the Mocha Bros' Instagram a humorous experience for their fans. "I hope they get a lot ofjoy out of it," Warren said. "It's a thing that they like to do and the whole campus can get [a lot] ofjoy out ofit, too." Sophomores Ju stice Laws and R oss Smith are the stars of their In stagram page "!V/ocha Bros," which they launched in spring 2016, before going home for the summer. Although they were both from A1emphis, Tennessee, mith and Laws did not meet until they were students at Harding. I Photo by .Macy Pate
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTc5NA==