Dance Team wins double national title in Florida competition
The Pascack Valley Regional Dance Team, along with 32 other varsity teams, circled around the dance floor, waiting for the announcer to introduce the winners of each category. The PVRDT huddled with their heads facing the floor and their arms around each other’s shoulders as the presenter named the second place team of the Small Varsity Team performance. As Pascack Valley was called as national champions, the team ran to the center of the stage with tears of joy, posing for a picture in front of the first place trophy.
The dance team, composed of seniors Vanessa Pikulski and Jaclyn Squiccimarri, juniors Jillian Eberson, Jordan Campanella, Samantha Cohn, Aimee Gershberg and Nicole Tarabocchia, sophomore Sarah Viceconte, and freshmen Brianna Harnett and Maddi Miller competed in the Dance Team Union National Championship from Feb. 16-18 at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.
The team received first place in Small Varsity Pom with a score of 469.1 and first place in Varsity Team Performance with a score of 453.2. Additionally, they were given a Speciality Award due to the support of faculty, families, and friends. Pikulski placed fifth in the Senior Solo category for her performance of “Warrior” by Demi Lovato. The Dance Team Union donated a total of $1,000 to Pascack Valley.
In the finals, the team performed against high schools across the country from states including Colo., Fla., Ill., Iowa, Ky., Miss., Mo., N.J., N.M., N.Y., Okla., Tenn., and Va.
Prior to nationals, the dance team had won first place from their two dances in a competition at West Milford High School.
“This team is a very laid back team, yet hard-working and persistent,” Dena Noone, one of the head coaches, said. “They keep their nerves under control and let their bodies do what they have to do which is dancing and performing with all of their hearts. Each performance this year, they have left it on the floor and that’s all we ask them to do.”
The dance team hopes to grow by working harder and continue a winning streak for the upcoming years.
“The team has practiced tremendously and we have put blood, sweat, and tears into the season,” Pikulski said. “We had so much fun throughout the year and we have created a bond between us that has made us unstoppable on the stage. We have been with each other through tough times, countless injuries, and have gotten through it all together.”
PVRDT Pom:
PVRDT Team Performance:
PVRDT Senior Solo:
