Campolindo’s dance team has made itself the newest addition to campus sports teams. The idea of starting a dance team came from the students as Senior Caitlin Coyle says “a lot of people at Campolindo [do] dance…and people have been talking about [a dance team] for a while.” Coyle feels that “…there’s been a need for a dance team for a while, especially since so many people dance [outside of school]…despite there being a dance club and a cheer team, there’s no real dance team. So yeah, [a dance team] was just something that was needed.” Coyle built the dance team with the goals of being, “a fun team, and having] good performances.”
Coyle not only wants to give the Campolindo dancers a place to form a team but also to provide them with an opportunity to compete in dance. “I want to eventually be able to compete…and win some competitions,” Coyle said, making it one of her main goals regarding the future of Campolindo’s dance team. Coyle added, “I just want us to compete and be capable of performing and just be a part of Campolindo’s spirit.” Unfortunately, Coyle announced that, “I think we’re going to have to postpone competing this year just because of fees, and we haven’t been able to fundraise because we started [the team] later in the year.” Regardless, Coyle still hopes that in the coming years Campolindo will be able to participate in competitions.
Students across campus have expressed their enthusiasm and eagerness for the dance team. Overall, students seem to be most excited for the uplifting and welcoming community that the dance team will create. Freshman Quinn Cohen, a current member of Campolindo’s Dance Team, said, “I think [joining the team] would be a cool opportunity to meet new people and join a new community.” Junior Hope Petersil agrees with Cohen’s opinion. Petersil said, “[The captains] are some of the kindest people I know, so I just think that they would create a really incredible environment.” A supportive environment in sports is incredibly important, as it not only affects the mental well-being of players but also their performance. The dance team is open to all students which also makes it a place for meeting new people with similar interests.
Students are also looking forward to participating in the new genres of dance, which will be explored on the team. Cohen thinks one of the things she’ll like the most about joining is, “it’s different from my other genres of dance that I do.” Although not being a dancer herself, Petersil agrees, saying it’s an interesting aspect of the team: “it’s a different form of dance compared to cheer.” The song for tyrouts was “Country Girl” by Luke Bryan which took place on Oct. 17 in the MUR. Students showcased their unique skills and also a small group dance was evaluated.
Despite having an interest in joining, one of the biggest concerns students have about making a commitment to the team is finding the time. Cohen says, “[If I joined Campolindo’s dance team] it would possibly conflict with my other commitments.” Petersil added, “I have interest, but honestly I don’t think I can [join]; I am incredibly busy…I’m doing a lot, so I don’t know if I can [spend more time] on practice and competitions.”
Coyle’s excitement in building a dance team has shown how much she truly values dancing and how Coyle wants to spread her joy of dancing to others across campus. Despite facing numerous challenges in the process of building this team, Coyle has stayed dedicated and optimistic, “I’m really excited just to dance. I love to dance, and I’m really excited to be able to do that with a team again.” Coyle’s message to students is to “join Campo dance.”
