The California Baptist University dance team is kicking into high gear as it gets ready for the 2018-19 season. With its first season already in full swing, the dancers said they have never been more excited to be a part of this brand-new experience.
Alexis Stroud, sophomore nursing major, said the process has been a great start for the first-ever CBU dance team.
“It was awesome to see the team come together for the first time,” Stroud said. “I have never been a part of a program that is starting from the ground up so I am beyond blessed to be able to be a part of this journey.”
Over the summer, the CBU dance team participated in the United Spirit Association and National Dance Alliance camps. Given only one week to dance together and learn the choreography, the team has already received high praises and accomplishments from the camps.
“There were many amazing dancers and teams,” Stroud said. “We worked hard, had late nights, but God was with us through our accomplishments and awards that we received.”
As a team, the dancers received USA 1st Showtime Routine, USA Hardest Working Team, second-place Team Dance Competition, Full Paid Bid to USA Collegiate Championships and Gold Paid Bid to NDA Nationals.
Sarissa Powell, sophomore nursing major, said the team’s positive attitude and hard work have paid off.
“Camp has brought us together and pushed us to do our best,” Powell said. “We all worked really hard and pushed through when we were physically and mentally tired.”
For the team’s success to carry through and continue on after the camp experience, Kristy Mapes, head dance coach, said she hopes to represent the school in the best way possible come season time.
“I’d like to see my athletes grow not just as dancers but young adults,” Mapes said. “My expectation for them is to always give it their all and strive for excellence through Christ.”
Kolleen Russo, sophomore public relations major, said she has high expectations for her individual teammates and the group as a whole.
“We are truly just striving to make every practice and every performance count,” Russo said. “We are working as a faithful team to be the best we can be, ultimately glorifying God and make all CBU Lancers proud.”
The dance team will make its CBU debut promoting school spirit during the fall 2018 semester.
