Sundancers Back On Stage for Upcoming Dance Team Intensive

Samantha Gitlin and Kathleen Lewis

The Sundancers dance team get ready for their Intensive Showcase on Monday, Aug. 30 at 6:30 pm at the Miller Drive Campus. Team members reflect on coming back to performances after COVID-19 cancellations.

TRANSCRIPT:

After a year without in-person performances, the Sundancers are looking forward to their upcoming Intensive Showcase, which will take place Monday night at the Miller Drive Campus stage.

“The dances will be displaying [the team’s] work from different choreographers, from contemporary, hip-hop, jazz, to lyrical,” said dance teacher Gerri Barreras. “This is the first time that they’ll be able to be in front of their parents after learning all their choreography since 2019.”

The dance team performs at football games, school events, as well as state and national competitions. Some seniors have been Sundancers throughout high school.

“I’ve been performing for my mom and my dad since I was little, and it’s probably the last year I’m going to perform for them,” said senior Melis Sanal. “So [being on the dance team as a senior] is very nostalgic but also very fun and exciting.”

The Sundancers hope to share their passion for dance with their families and friends once again after having minimal opportunities to do so last year due to COVID-19. 

“I just really like dancing and being a part of the team,” said senior Shelby Migon. “I think it’s not only a good way to get to know the whole team personally but also a way to express ourselves in a different way, which is an important part of dance.”