On Sunday, Dec. 8. the Munster dance team won regional grand champions for varsity pom with the highest score at NDA (National Dance Alliance). Now, the team continues to practice dances for IHSDTA (Indiana High School Dance Team Association) on Dec. 14 to compete in the pom and jazz categories, as well as the solos and ensembles. This year’s theme for pom is ‘attributes of a Mustang,’ bringing in the strong attitude. With jazz, the team decided to try something different than last year’s slow jazz dance, having a more fast and sassy routine.
“What gets us the most excited for competition is finally showing off what we have been working on all season long,” sophomore Gwyneth Cox said.
Having the right mindset and pushing toward the same level to get through the competition even if there are challenges is what the dancers try to strive for.
“Preparing for the competition is not easy, but I feel like it would be not fun if it was not hard in some way,” senior Sam Bleza said. “It is hard on our bodies and mentally, but it just makes us stronger dancers and more united as a team.”
To prepare for the competition, sophomore McKenna Willis improves by doing dances full out and taking extra classes.
“I have met some of my goals this season but I have more to work on by practicing them consistently,” Willis said.
Not only does individual improvement occur, but so does team improvement which can include closer bonds and communication.
“Everyone’s staying positive throughout practice and helping each other out, no matter if someone’s in a bad mood,” senior Jisele Ruiz said.
With the closer bonds and communication, the girls help keep up the motivation in order to fuel the drive to meet goals and do their best.
“There were times when I was a freshman, and I was like ‘oh, this is only me going through it,’” Bleza said. “But knowing my teammates are there, doing the same things as me, just makes me more motivated as a dancer, and also the thought of getting that first place win for Munster.”
On the podium: Munster’s NDA placing
Team places: 1st in varsity pom, jazz and gameday
Sam Bleza: 1st in senior solo
Liv Gouveia: 1st in junior solo
