On Aug. 30, the Parkway North Dance Team performed the first routine of the year at the football game against Lafayette High School.
“It was great, and it went as planned. My favorite part was the chant at the end,” sophomore Jdyn Baldwin said.
The dance team performed a routine set to music from both the past and present like “Wanna Be” by GloRilla and Megan Thee Stallion.
“The first performance went good. We were definitely nervous because last year wasn’t the best, but the performance went as planned. One of our main issues was being on beat and being together,” sophomore Lauren Mack said.
This is the dance team’s third year performing together. The dance team replaces the Vikettes, a dance team that existed before the pandemic but has been inactive for a few years.
“We definitely have progressed since we have a nice captain that listens to and knows the music we like and the dance moves we want to do to catch the people’s attention. I’m looking forward to Track or Treat and doing the homecoming dance and the prep rally,” Mack said.
The dance team has been practicing to perform at halftime shows and other events every Wednesday from 2:45 p.m.to 5:30 p.m. after school. The performers have been practicing this routine since the beginning of the school year.
During practice, members not only go through choreography but also strengthen and stretch. Dance is very physical and team members could risk injury if they don’t stretch or otherwise physically prepare.
“First, we stretch. Then, we do a squat circuit, two ab circuits and 50 jumping jacks. Then, we practice the choreography and see who knows it the best,” Baldwin said.
Members put in the time and effort because they gain many benefits including physical well-being such as endurance and strength as well as psychological benefits like being a part of a community and mentally feeling good.
“[One of the benefits is] the new friendships I have made and how we are friends and teammates,” Mack said.
Other benefits include the joy of dancing and participating in something they love.
“I’ve always liked dancing, and when I found out Parkway North had a team, I was happy and looking forward to trying out,” Baldwin said
The members are continuing to work together to prepare for future performances like the next one on Oct. 5 at 11:00 a.m. at the football game against Parkway South High School.
