The Spectrum

Issue date: 4/27/06 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Photo courtesy SHU Dance Team The Dance Team poses for a picture with trophy and ribbons.

After placing seventh in the nation at last year's Nationals competition and placing first in the Northeast Dance Challenge, the Sacred Heart Dance Team was looking to do even better this year. Unfortunately, the ladies were unable to achieve their goal.

The sixteen members of the competition team were freshman Stephanie Righetti; sophomores Amy Baldovin, Brenna DaSilva, Amanda Falzon, Nadayne Limerick, Liz Onorato, Gina Saccaro and Jackie Stephens; juniors Dayna DiBiasi, Nicole Engel, Jen Giordano, Jenna Gray and Jen Riga; and seniors Johane Joas, Jessica MacConaghy, and Nicole Righetti.

The Northeast Dance Challenge was a week before nationals at Westfield State College. The women competed against five other schools, including Ithaca College, Providence College, University of Hartford, and Central Connecticut. By wining first place, they were able to defend their titles from previous year.

Their practice schedule increased in order to prepare for Daytona, and once they got there, the practicing did not stop. Nerves were running high and the girls were all extremely excited.

"We performed very well at prelims, but it didn't feel the same as that rush at Westfield," Jenna Gray, a junior from Sayville, N.Y., said. "As we sat and waited to hear all the rest of the teams' scores it became clear that we'd have to dance again at the Challenge Cup that Night. The top 10 teams go to finals and the challenge cup is another chance for the remaining half of the teams to compete for one final spot on that finals lineup.

"We met with our choreographer outside and began reworking key parts of the routine," Gray said. "Six long hours later, after much sweat, blood and tears, and a few gallons of sun block, we got suited up again for the challenge cup."

The grueling challenge was a turning point for Dance Team members. They had performed like never before and thought they would have a spot to compete in the finals.

"The series of emotions from the team that followed were as varied as you could imagine, from tears to forced smiles," Gray said. "We had to compose ourselves and we congratulated the team that beat us."

Though they were unable to repeat last season's glory, the girls knew they had done their best.

Continued...

Page 1 of 2 next >

Article Tools