Dance team maintains unity while sharpening technique

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 18:34:18 GMT

By Natalie Robson

Natalie Robson
Dance team practices routines after school.

Halftime shows at basketball games usually consist of half court shot competitions and 50/50 raffles. At the Revere boys’ varsity basketball games, however, one team displays their skills in front of parents and peers alike. The Revere dance team performs choreographed dance routines during the halftimes of the boys’ basketball games. The team’s style ranges from jazz, funk, traditional jazz and hip-hop. According to head dance coach Amanda Martin, the girls who try out for the dance team normally have a previous experience with dance, although it is not required. "Before ever even trying out for the team, many girls have had years of dance training. We will accept girls without this experience, but it is hard for them to be as competitive at auditions. Once on the team, we spend a lot of time perfecting technique just doing jumps, leaps across the floor. The girls learn a lot of choreographed material in a short period of time, so practice outside of practices is required," Martin said. The team both practices for their half time routines and for their team competitions to stay sharp with their skills. "We hold tryouts in March. We then start practicing late spring [or] early summer. We attend camp in the summer. This year we went to Oakland University in Michigan, and then our season practices began in September," Martin said. The team sets goals together and maintains team unity by sticking to a common idea. "We have a mantra to follow: no drama. Unity within the team is critical. Competition scores are dependent on the precision of everyone doing the exact same thing at the exact same time. When girls don’t get along, it shows on the court. We have a big sister little sister program goal tagging along this same theory," Martin said. Although many team members graduated last year, the team continues to build and to be optimistic about their season. "This year’s team is largely a new team. We had several upperclassman graduate last year that were with the program throughout their entire high school career. That left a lot of opportunities for new members," Martin said. Junior Nadia Kurtz has danced for the Revere team for the past three years and cherishes the time she spends with the team. "[The girls and I] are really close and very supportive of each other and form great friendships. Some of my best friends are on dance team," Kurtz said. The dance team members take their sport very seriously and strive to be the best athletes they can be. "[Dance team] takes a lot of commitment. We always have fun at practice and outside of practice, but we also work very hard," Kurtz said. Senior co-captain Nici Stucky has participated in dance team through all four years of high school. Stucky notes her passion for the dances the team performs. "The routines are fun and exciting. They get the crowd going," Stucky said. Stucky feels that dance team is not all about the performances, but also the lessons learned while being a part of the team. "It’s a great experience. It is fun to make new dances, and it is a good way to stay in shape," Stucky said. The dance team will continue to perfect their moves, put their dance skills on the line, and dazzle the crowd.