Experiencing a nervous breakdown doesn’t always have to involve misery, tears or an intimidating exam. In fact, you can have one upside-down while spinning on your head — if you are a member of Binghamton University’s break-dancing group Nervous Breakdown.

This talented group of students is getting ready for Battle in the Boonies ’06: Breakin’ & Entering on Saturday, a competition between various dance groups from different universities. The event will take place this Saturday, Oct. 21, at 3 p.m. in the Mandela Room.

“We take pride in Battle in the Boonies,” said Kent Han, treasurer of Nervous Breakdown. “Unlike other competitions, we have delight just from people coming, rather than a prize as a reward.”

Kent said that the participants in the competition are there for the intensity and the love of dancing, rather than the prize money.

“The competition gets you inspired and invigorated, making you want to get better when you see other people who are better than you,” said junior John Reyes, the secretary of Nervous Breakdown. “Some people have really crazy moves.”

Nervous Breakdown is open to anyone who is interested in joining. They practice every Monday and Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Mandela Room of the Old University Union. However, they practice more frequently prior to shows.

“It is a very comfortable environment, there’s not a lot of pressure,” said Kenneth Cheung, a new member of the group. Andy Hazar, who’s been a member for three years, added, “I hang out with most of the group and we go on a lot of dance trips together and have a good time.”

The usual format for the practices is that the members all dance on their own, and if they see others struggling with a move, the others willingly help them out. Sometimes, at the end of the practice, it becomes more structured and they stand in a circle, taking turns dancing in the center. Adam Pizur says, “I like it best when we get in a circle and show each other what we’ve got.”

While some members of the group have been dancing for many years, others are new to the art. John Reyes, who has been break-dancing for four years, said, “I didn’t become serious until I came here, and now it’s one of the few things I’m really dedicated to.”

Other performances that Nervous Breakdown has participated in include Relay for Life, the Katie Fei Banquet Breast Cancer Walk and the Pal Banquet.

As Battle in the Boonies approaches, Nervous Breakdown is devoting much of its time to preparing for it. About eight of the members are competing. “Last year was really fun, a really good jam, and I hope it’s the same this year,” said the sophomore president Amit Shiloni, who has been break-dancing for six years.