Concordia's competitive dance team made its hardcourt debut at the Cattle Classic this past weekend. This is the first year for the team, and coach Jacque Winchell is pleased with their progress.
"I have seen tremendous improvement in their dance technique and overall physical stamina," said Winchell. Practices began in August and the team of eight women was a feature at Concordia's home football games throughout the fall.
At this point in the season Winchell is helping the team incorporate more technical skills into their dances. "The girls are growing and getting better and are now able to showcase more difficult skills," said Winchell. "I’m constantly thinking of ways to be more appealing and entertaining to the fans so they have something to look forward to at halftime."
The team will travel to the Concordia Invitational Tournament in January 2010 and face some informal competition from the other participating dance teams. Concordia Nebraska's Bulldog dance team will share the court with the CU Dazzlers from Concordia Chicago, the Concordia Ann Arbor Cardinal dance team and the Falcon dance team from this year's CIT host, Concordia University Wisconsin.
Also on the horizon for the team is a national dance competition. From Feb. 18-21 Concordia's dancers will take part in the UPA AmeriCup Dance Championship in Minneapolis, Minn.
Coach Winchell has seen leaders emerge in the young team of freshmen and sophomores and she is especially pleased with the group's work ethic.
"The girls are so eager to learn and improve," said Winchell. "They keep at it till they get it right."
