Photojournalism Article

CV's Dancing Machine

Captains, Emma Brown (12) and Emily Hall (12) discuss their routine
 with coach Linda Richards (not shown in picture).

If you enter Eagle View Middle School's cafeteria on almost any given day of the week, you will most likely find a silent and empty room with lonely chairs stacked against the walls. However, on December 3, 2014, the sounds of girl's laughing and music playing echoed throughout the building. The Cumberland Valley Dance Team utilized the room for one of their practices due to another Cumberland Valley club taking up the high school cafeteria, a space usually reserved for the dance team. 

The Cumberland Valley Dance Team is a "team" in name only, as it is technically classified as a school club. However, existing since the 1970's makes the dance team far older than many of the other school organizations also classified as clubs, and their plethora of awards are nothing to scoff at. But how do they get so good? Once their talented team of girls has been selected, it all comes down to practice, practice, practice. With a season that lasts all year long and entails at least three competitions and numerous performances at community and school sport events, such as football and basketball games, practicing is vital to their success. 

A typical practice features stretching, practicing their routines (pom, hip-hop and variety mix- a combination of jazz, pom, and hip-hop) and lots of friendly camaraderie! Coach Linda Richards of 10 years watches as the girls practice their dances and work hard to help them improve. 

Practicing their hip-hop routine, the girls strike a Beyonce-inspired move.

Team captains, and the only two seniors, Emma Brown and Emily Hall talked about their experiences with the team and what it's like to be captain. "I like being part of a team of 13...14 other girls [that] I can rely on..." shared Brown on her favorite part of being on the dance team. Captaining responsibilities include motivating the team, leading stretches, sending out text reminders, and being there for the other girls. 

With great skill, Kate Minnich (10) shows off the moves
that got her a spot on the team.

Junior Lydia Maliackel describes her relationship with her teammates as extremely close: "They see me at my worst". The general consensus of her fellow dancers agrees with this statement. The girls see each other as sisters and love the fact that they get to dance with each other.

In the Eagle View Middle School cafeteria,
Rebecca Maher (10) braids Kate Minnich's (10) hair.

There's a lot of fresh talent on the team this year, but a number of returning dancers, who were on the team last year when they took first place at Eastern Dance Nationals remain and Coach Richards hopes to make a repeat performance at Hershey High School Nationals in 2015. With their passion, skill, and love for the sport, Cumberland Valley's Dance Team has danced their way into many's hearts.

As a special routine considered good luck before competitions and performances,
the girls of the CV Dance Team do a unique chant and huddle. 

After practice ends, Megan DeMario (9) removes her dance shoes
and laces up her boots, ready to head home.

Image Gallery