Schools

Peters Dance Teams Place First, Head to Nationals

Peters Township junior varsity and varsity dance teams received an invitation to nationals after placing first at Universal Dance Association summer camp.

Each summer, Peters Township dance team members, coaches and sponsors participate in a Universal Dance Association camp to compete and qualify for nationals.

And, this year both teams placed first in their division—recieving an invitation to nationals!

UDA camps are held at 147 locations, with more than 760 total sessions across the country. Last year, 70 high school and all-star dance teams made the cut in Peters' category, and competed at the National Dance Team Championship, according to booster club co-president Kathy Barnes. 

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The Peters Township junior varsity and varsity dance teams traveled to Mason, Ohio prior to the start of camp.

"We received stellar choreography and bonding activities that helped our team grow closer and stronger," Barnes said. "It was a great way to start the 2011-2012 season off on a positive note."

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At camp, the dancers participated in leveled technique classes that most often placed them in the most challenging classes, she said. 

They competed in "drill down" exercises that emphasized routine recall, precision and dance discipline. The team captains had the opportunity to participate in the office/leadership program, attending additional meetings to learn how to sharpen and activiate their leadership skills. 

The coaches and sponsors were involved in the coaches program, she said. They attended management meetings, which addressed common challenges coaches face each season. 

In addition to first place and an invite to nationals, the varsity team competed against nine high schools and "danced away" with the Champion Award.

Junior varsity was number one of three teams in its division.

All senior dancers were awarded All-American All-Star Dancers, and three senior dancers were asked to apply for next year's UDA instructional staff. 

The junior varsity and varsity team received a superior rating for the camp via "drill down" awards. One Peters senior dancer placed first runner-up in the "drill down" division. 

Both teams received the UDA Camp Spirit Award and the Leadership Award, which was peer-driven—camp participants chose the Dance Team as the team they'd want to compete on.

"It was truly a great effort from all of the dancers and coaches," Barnes said. 

Varsity Roster:

  • Megan Amelio
  • Camille Barnes
  • Carla Buzzatto
  • Alexa Connors
  • Liz Hall
  • Jess Joseph
  • Balerie Mikec
  • Alina Pappas
  • Cassie Pfeuffer
  • Savanna Schweitzer
  • Sydney Scott
  • Lyss Townsend
  • Lexi Uhler
  • Maddie Williams
  • Alternates: Lauren Thomas; Morgan Soika

Junior Varsity Roster:

  • Samantha Abraham
  • Robyn Bisignani
  • Gina Colosimo
  • Jessie Fairbanks
  • Riley Gillespie
  • Sierra Jasek
  • Bethany Kelly
  • Theresa Marr
  • Erika Miller
  • Christina Pahountis
  • Stephanie Rossi
  • Morgan Soika
  • Lauen Thomas

Coaches:

  • Nique Deliere Schuster, head/varsity coach
  • Ashlee Olivo, assistant/JV coach
  • Barb Deliere, PTHS team sponsor/advisor

Nationals are Feb. 4-5 in Orlando, Fla. Best of luck, girls!


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