First Cumberland Valley Dance Team Performance
Maddie Keefer
Staff Writer
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The Cumberland Valley Dance Team performing Erin Wagner’s hip-hop dance prior to the CV vs. CD East game October 2.
On Oct. 2, 2020, the Cumberland Valley Dance Team danced in their first performance of the year. Hip-hop dances were choreographed by Senior Captain Erin Wagner and Senior Member Emma Cerrelli for the first performance, which took place prior to the CD East football game at Chapman Field.
“We took three weeks to learn both Emma and I’s dances, both of which were hip hop and both very different,” Wagner said.
Significant preparation went into the two dances, as both seniors had to cut music, choreograph their dances, and teach them to the team prior to the Friday night game. It is a tradition for senior members of the team to choreograph dances for the team to perform during the football season, and Wagner and Cerreli were the first members to have their dances performed.
Although COVID-19 precautions lessened the number of fans in the stadium, CVDT worked hard to make their senior choreographers proud while making the most of the moment.
“My dance wasn’t too complicated, but it was still really fun, which made it pretty easy to learn. I think the hardest part was getting the tricks coordinated, but we pulled through in the end, and it was awesome!” Cerrelli said. “Erin and I’s styles of hip hop are pretty different honestly, but I think that made it cool to have a more diverse routine, in terms of energy, music, and overall vibe.”
Both at practice and at Chapman Field, CVDT performed with explosive energy, thanks to great choreographers and extensive preparation time. During the performance at Chapman Field, the music malfunctioned slightly and the weather was colder than expected, but the team members held their heads high and smiled for the fans to keep the spirits lifted prior to the football game.
“So when we are able to go ahead to start making the dances and that we could start practice, it brought a sense of happiness that was much needed. While it was definitely not the way I had envisioned it, I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to perform my dance with the team I love most” Wagner said.
Uncertainty surrounded much of the CVDT season, especially football performances, so having the opportunity to perform despite decreased spectators was an opportunity no team member wanted to pass up. Looking forward towards later football games, three more seniors will prepare, teach, and perform dances for the Oct. 23, Nov. 6, and Nov.13 games.
The team hopes that these performances will go as smoothly as the first two. Team members also hope that more spectators will be able to view their performances as COVID-19 measures lighten and the football season progresses.