Fairfield’s dance team has a new coach, new moves, new determination and renewed dedication.
Dana McEvoy is the team’s new coach and behind a new regiment of exercise. She graduated last year from Fairfield and was hired three weeks after auditions.
The dance team is also receiving more recognition and support from school officials to help fuel their renaissance.
“The school is realizing the value spirit teams have for the athletes and the overall attitude of the students,” said McEvoy.
This year the team has the right to practice in the athletic center, and it is required that the team lift two times a week.
“Dana gives us more time to focus on our choreography and dancing,” said co-captain Anna Punzalan.
The girls work really hard on their co-ordinations, said McEvoy. The captains are good leaders and compromise with the team to reach an agreement.
The dance team originated eight years ago, but the administration has been reluctant to support them as a team because the dance team was deemed unnecessary.
Today the university is working on raising the level of school spirit. “The dance team is an intricate part of the entertainment component of men’s and women’s basketball,” said Pat Murphy, associate athletic director.
“At first, I thought the dance team was just a form of entertainment and the school spirit was left up to the cheerleaders, but I’m so happy to have found that the dance team raises so much excitement amongst the crowd and we feel each other’s energy, which makes for a great and uplifting performance every time,” said Erin Kennedy ’07.
Dance is a strenuous activity. “The dancers have to have stamina, flexibility, and strength in order to keep up with the music and give a good performance,” said co-captain Rhianne Crowley.
Practices are approximately two to three hours long. To warm-up the team runs, stretches, and works on their abdominal muscles. Then they dance non-stop.
McEvoy accepted the offer to be coach of the dance team and the cheerleading team. “I didn’t want to turn my back on what is important to Fairfield University”, said McEvoy.
The girls have had more opportunities to be involved in community events.
“Since Fairfield is a small school, the team is not allowed to travel or compete, but it is nice to be in the media and let people know the team exists,” said McEvoy.
Earlier this month, the team was invited to dance at an NBA game at Harbor Yard. The event coordinator asked for participation during halftime and McEvoy thought it was a good opportunity for the girls to get exposure.
“I think the dance team really pumps up the crowd and gives the student body more energy and enthusiasm,” said dancer Maressa Drake ’05.
“I think what we do is important for the school and the basketball teams,” dancer Ashley Flynn ’05 agreed.
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