The Crimson Wave Dance Team is Ready for Regionals

Calumet College of St. Joseph has quite a talented dance team. The Crimson Wave dance team, consisting of eight girls led by Coach Stephanie Prill, recently nailed first place at their final regular season competition. This means that the team will advance to the Regional Competition on February 21 at Siena Heights University in Michigan.

These ladies worked hard, executing difficult moves with precise technique, making their advanced routine look easy (even though it’s tough) and drawing the eye of many an observer and the approval of many a competition judge.

“We have had a lot of good team bonding. And there is a lot of talent here this year. We have good technique, we’ve improved on endurance and skills and all three styles of dance in the routine which are jazz, pop, and hip hop. We really focused on getting the dance together in unison while still highlighting each individual as all of the girls have their own abilities,” Coach Prill said.

Let’s meet the team, shall we?

Rebecca Pederson – sophomore “I joined this team two years ago because I danced all through high school,” Pederson said. “Coach Prill offered me this opportunity to dance through college and I jumped on it.”

Kaylee Gleason – freshman “Coach Prill used to be my dance coach in another place,” Gleason said. “She recruited me from my high school dance team. I’m so excited about Regionals. I hope we do really well.”

Selena Pabon - freshman “I danced throughout high school and I went to a dance camp my senior year and met Coach Prill,” Pabon said. “I love being on this team. I have the opportunity to learn new things and to be on an advanced team like this means a lot. I love dancing; it’s my life!”

Larissa Harris – freshman “This is my first time going to Regionals and I’m so excited. I danced in high school but we didn’t do competitions like this,” Harris said.

Leona Wheeler – freshman “I’ve been dancing for quite a while. Being on a team like this is good because when it’s time to perform and it’s time for a competition, we work together like a family,” Wheeler said. “I’m ready for Regionals. We’re going to win!”

Marshawna Kendrick – freshmen “I’ve been dancing since middle school. Dancing here is different than when I danced in middle and high school… I’m excited to go to Regionals. Very excited and very nervous,” Kendrick said.

Paula Akinrinade – sophomore “I’ve always wanted to dance and I was introduced to proper technique in high school,” Akinrinade said. “I love going to competitions and games. It’s exciting!”

Jessica Moore – junior “I love this team. We have a variety of girls and the team dynamic is interesting because each girl is good at something different so we balance each other out,” Moore said. “And I am stoked to go to Regionals.”

 

At Regionals the team will be judged on technique, endurance, performance, and facials (facial expressions). If they get first place they will automatically receive a spot in the upcoming NAIA Cheer and Dance National Invitational at Midland University on March 13 and 14, 2015.

“I think we’ll do really great as we have in the past and we’ll keep performing at that level,” Coach Prill said confidently in regards to Regionals. “I’m really happy with how far this team has come since I became coach four years ago. I think we’ll nail it!”

Best of luck to the Crimson Wave Dance Team!