The Vulcan Dance Team hosted a showcase of their competition, as well as routines from game-day dance groups and select company dancers from Betsy’s Dance Center and Variations Dance Company.
Held on the Steele Hall Mainstage Saturday, Feb. 7, the showcase drew students, faculty, and families to cheer on the girls as they performed. The Vulcans performed two competition routines, which they will be taking to Daytona Beach, Florida, for the NCA & NDA College National Championships, as well as their future game-day routines seen at sports events around campus.
Junior History major and dancer Madison Plunko, Vice President of the Vulcan Dance Team, helped organize the event along with fellow dance team members Kayla Brill and Jocelyn Stefancik.
“For our first ever showcase, I feel like it was a success, though with everything that is first set out to become a reality there are obviously some things that need to be changed or fixed,” Plunko said. “We are hoping it becomes an annual event as going to Daytona is very expensive, especially since it is coming strictly out of our pockets and fundraising.”
The event had been in the works for a while, with planning phases being initiated by the Dance Team’s President.
“This idea was brought up by our President, Jocelyn, in August, and we have been working on it since then with all team members putting in many hours and effort into making it into a reality,” Plunko said. “The competition and game day teams really worked hard to make this showcase come to life, and I believe that everyone did very well.”
Several of the Vulcan competition dancers performed solos or duets in a variety of styles.
“Many of the girls choreographed the numbers by themselves, while others are friends with choreographers and were able to get them choreographed by them in their off time,” Plunko said.
The dancers from Betsy’s Dance Center and Variations Dance Company were welcomed additions to the show, bringing several dancers, ranging from elementary through high school age groups, for each.
“We wanted to include community members, so we asked dance teachers from PennWest, Grace Hess and Jocelyn Stefancik, and their studios were so excited to be a part of our event,” Plunko said. “They were all phenomenal dancers and such a joy to work with, and (I wish) them the best for their upcoming competition season.”
The event also had donation bins, a 50/50 raffle, and several basket raffles, with proceeds supporting the team.
“I just (want) to thank anyone who came out, supported, and donated,” Plunko said. “We would not be able to do what we do without everyone who came and watched.”
