Article by Phoenix writer Lillian Stern ’22:
Kellenberg’s Varsity Dance team traveled to Orlando, Florida to compete in the NDA High School Dance Nationals. The team had rigorously prepared for six months, crafting their routines with Matt Kirschenheiter, the choreographer from St. John’s University. Becoming top ten in the nation with the highest scores in Kellenberg history was no easy feat; the team did not have a season last year due to COVID and many dancers had to overcome injuries.
The dancers boarded their plane and arrived at the Caribe Royale Resort on Friday, March 4th. The team consisted of eleven Juniors and Seniors: Julia Bryant, Kate Egan, Gabbie Ladevaio, Gabby Lorusso, Leah Tilocca, Nicole Whiteacre, Jessica Bryant, Serene Dhande, Fiona Higgins, Olivia Montoni, and Patricia Rood. Not wanting to waste time once they arrived, the competitors immediately began to perfect their routine by utilizing their practice time slots. The coaches Alexa Schwartz, Ashley Forbes, and Lauren Fasano meticulously plotted how to captivate the audience decidedly through their use of Kallenberg’s team spirit.
Senior Jessica Bryant confirms that achieving a hard-earned goal alongside her teammates and friends is a gratifying experience. She recalls what transpired on Sunday, March 6th: “Dance Team Nationals was my favorite experience at Kellenberg. We accomplished our main goal of making finals in every category. We placed 8th in Pom, 8th in Hip Hop, and 22nd in Jazz.”
The Varsity Dance team fought hard to return to nationals after two years. Overall, the team’s devotion and infamous dedication to perfection guaranteed their place in the finals.