2008 Woodie Awards
In the spotlight: Stephens, DaSilva leave dance team with a bang
Senior co-captains lead dance team to victory finishing 4th in Nationals
Kelly Daley
Issue date: 5/1/08 Section: Features
They had just two minutes and 15 seconds to prove their talent.
No re-dos, no timeouts, no substitutions.
In those two minutes and 15 seconds, captains Brenna DSilva and Jackie Stephens led the Sacred Heart University dance team to place fourth in the nation, reaching an all-time high ranking for the team.
"I cannot even explain the feeling. I wanted to scream, cry, laugh, and faint all at the same time, and some of the girls said I did all of the above," said senior and co-captain Jackie Stephens.
"Unexplainable- I'd have to say surreal," said senior and co-capatin Brenna DaSilva.
DaSilva is a business administration major with a concentration in management from Enfield, Conn., Stephens is an exercise science major with a minor in psychology from Ridgefield Park, N.J.
The girls' passion for dance started early.
"I've been dancing since I was two," said Stephens.
"Since I was one and a half," said DaSilva.
The girls continued to develop their skills as they got older.
"My gram and mom were co-owners of our dance studio, Riley's School of Dance in Enfield, CT. As soon as I could walk I was in ballet class," said DaSilva.
Both girls feel that being captain of the dance team for the university is a momentous event in their lives.
"One of my biggest accomplishments is being captain of the SHU dance team for the past two years. Being trusted to lead such a talented group of dancers is a huge accomplishment and I am so proud to say that I have worked with every one of these girls," said Stephens.
"My biggest accomplishment in dance would definitely be my senior year here on the dance team. Not just the competition season but our regular season as well," said DaSilva.
"Choreographing and leading this team throughout this past year has been unreal."
The team prepared all season, working on routines and forming a bond with one another.
"We prepared for this year by working hard, staying focused, and forming an inseparable bond with our team," said Stephens.
No re-dos, no timeouts, no substitutions.
In those two minutes and 15 seconds, captains Brenna DSilva and Jackie Stephens led the Sacred Heart University dance team to place fourth in the nation, reaching an all-time high ranking for the team.
"I cannot even explain the feeling. I wanted to scream, cry, laugh, and faint all at the same time, and some of the girls said I did all of the above," said senior and co-captain Jackie Stephens.
"Unexplainable- I'd have to say surreal," said senior and co-capatin Brenna DaSilva.
DaSilva is a business administration major with a concentration in management from Enfield, Conn., Stephens is an exercise science major with a minor in psychology from Ridgefield Park, N.J.
The girls' passion for dance started early.
"I've been dancing since I was two," said Stephens.
"Since I was one and a half," said DaSilva.
The girls continued to develop their skills as they got older.
"My gram and mom were co-owners of our dance studio, Riley's School of Dance in Enfield, CT. As soon as I could walk I was in ballet class," said DaSilva.
Both girls feel that being captain of the dance team for the university is a momentous event in their lives.
"One of my biggest accomplishments is being captain of the SHU dance team for the past two years. Being trusted to lead such a talented group of dancers is a huge accomplishment and I am so proud to say that I have worked with every one of these girls," said Stephens.
"My biggest accomplishment in dance would definitely be my senior year here on the dance team. Not just the competition season but our regular season as well," said DaSilva.
"Choreographing and leading this team throughout this past year has been unreal."
The team prepared all season, working on routines and forming a bond with one another.
"We prepared for this year by working hard, staying focused, and forming an inseparable bond with our team," said Stephens.
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