It's all about Panther spirit at High Point University! Enthusiastic fans, the pep band, and the cheerleaders are known to display their spirit, but what about High Point's dance team? They tend to be overlooked by many who attend sports events. This year the dance team improved greatly and is ready to show their spirit!
Good Coaching is Key
Last year, in June of 2007, High Point welcomed Melissa Smith as the head coach of the dance team. With more than 18 years of dance experience under her belt, Smith was able to build a team of dancers who were as passionate about dance as she was.
For the 2007-2008 season, Smith had a solid team, but did not receive the recognition that she thought her team deserved. In September of 2008, Smith chose a new team of 15 girls with only five returning dancers from the previous year.
The dancers had more experience and came from several different dance backgrounds including jazz, ballet, tap, hip-hop, cheerleading, and modern. Smith is very excited about the new talent on her team this year."The girls this year are amazing," says Smith. "They're much better than last year!"
Dancers With Confidence
The HPU dancers had their first performance of the year at a women's basketball game November 16 in the Millis Athletic Center. Despite fear and doubt, the team pulled off an outstanding two minute performance. The cheers and praise from the audience was enough to confirm how much the team improved from last year.
Senior Katie Blandford, who has been on the dance team since her freshman year, says, "I remember when our team used to wear T-shirts and jeans as our uniform. Now we can actually call ourselves a team because we have real unifroms and look great!"
Getting Involved
Each HPU dancer takes the time out of their busy schedule to dance at sporting events. Along with keeping up with their academics, the dancers add volunteering to their long list of activities to accomplish.
This year the dancers are involved with the Big Brothers, Big Sisters Program as well as Panther Club activities. Each member of the team is required to participate in the programs. It is well worth it since each member is usually awarded scholarship money ranging from up to $300! This is a great reward just for dancing!
The HPU dancers will be a part of High Point's Thanksgiving parade on Tuesday, November 25, 2008 and dance at the men's and women's basketball games Monday, December 1, 2008.
Related Material:
2008-2009 Dance Team Information
Panther Spirit
1 comment:
Charisse,
you have a good story and some cool links throughout. I would've liked to hear more from the dancers on future shows/plans. I would've also liked to hear from the audience. What do HPU students who attend think of these performances?
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