Cara Amatangelo, Faley Bulazo, Ashley Burkett, Melanie McGinniss, Julia Twerdok, Tia Watts, Lexie Wirth, Emily Brinsky, Aubrey Carson, Abigail DeFazio, Lauren Neubert and Catherine Ramser are the twelve talented and dedicated girls that make up Upper St. Clair High School’s Dance Team. This select group of auditioned dancers perform at USC Varsity basketball games, the USC Community Day parade, multiple regional competitions, and more!
The Dance Team’s most recent event took place on December 6th and was titled “Gifts of Dance and Other Offerings,” a performance for Dance Workshop by Shari to raise money for Children’s Hospital.
Chris D’Amico and Allie Ryave, both USC sophomores, showed their support by attending. Chris disclosed his opinion that the Upper St. Clair Dance Team was “one of the best, if not the best, acts in the show. The opening move in their number was pretty sweet.”
Sophomore Tia Watts, a second-year member of the dance team, said, “The season goes up until about March, then we have auditions in May, and then we have conditioning all summer.”
“Practices are two days a week for two hours, and we mostly perform small group jazz,” third-year member Emily Brinsky shared.
In the past, the team has earned various titles, including PA State Dance Champions, Steeltown Dance Champions, The Edge Dance Champions, and more.
“I can’t think of any bad things about being on Dance Team! I love having a lot of fun dancing with my friends,” says Lexie Wirth, a sophomore.
Julia Twerdok, also a second-year sophomore, enjoys “watching the progress we make as a team from the beginning to the end of the season. We seem to really work together nicely when we are competing. I am glad I have this opportunity to build my confidence on stage with great friends.”
“Being surrounded by such a talented group of dancers that, like myself, enjoy dancing enough to be on a competitive team is truly amazing, and I am so thankful for such an experience,” sophomore Melanie McGinniss gushes about her first year on the dance team.
The team’s group of girls are no doubt a tight-knit pack. They often participate in “DT Time,” an informal meeting that occurs after practices for a team reflection on the progress and for girls to pass around advice and suggestions. It also serves as a bonding experience for the members.