The Cardinal Gibbons dance team is more than just performances on the sidelines – it’s a varsity sport, a tight-knit community, and a major commitment. Junior Avery Aladdin describes it as a true team sport.
“We either all do great, or we all fail,” said Aladdin.
The team primarily performs in a POM dance style, combining jazz, hip-hop, and cheerleading-style movements. Dancers learn both a jazz routine and a team routine that combines pom, kick, hip hop, and jazz into one performance. Tryouts are held at the end of May, usually right before finals week, and last three days. Aladdin encourages underclassmen to give it a shot, saying rising freshmen are welcome and encouraged to try out.
Once selected, dancers begin summer conditioning, which runs from June through August with breaks in between. While it’s a big commitment, it prepares the team for the intense season ahead. Over the summer, the team also attends the National Dance Alliance camp, a four-day experience where they work to earn a bid to nationals in February.
The dance season begins with football, when the team performs sideline routines and halftime dances. During this time, they are also preparing for competition season.
Competitions take place throughout the year, starting with regionals in Raleigh in December, states in Charlotte in January, and nationals in Orlando in February.
Nationals, according to Aladdin, is the most intense part of the season.
“I remember last year, we were up until 11 p.m., in a hallway, just cleaning up whatever the judges told us the day before,” she said.
Practices are held multiple times a week. Standard practices take place Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 3:15-5:15 p.m. As nationals approach, Wednesday practices and Saturday practices from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. are added.
Ms. Nikki Wadia believes the dance room should be a safe space for everyone.
“She tells us the door is a portal,” Aladdin said, “When you step in, everything else falls away. You leave your stress outside to focus on dance.”
Leadership plays a big role on the dance team. The team is led by senior captains Sarah Shugars and Tea Binanay, who serve as the “team moms.” Avery Aladdin and Haley Rankin are the faith and service captains, and they organize Bible study and service projects for the team. Liz Roney, the team bonding captain, organizes the annual Christmas party.
For students looking for a smaller community within the school, the dance team offers both challenge and support.
As Alladin puts it, joining the dance team is a way to push yourself as a dancer while being part of something bigger than yourself.
