BATAVIA, NY (08/23/2010)(readMedia)-- Genesee Community College Cougarettes Dance Team recently returned from a National Dance Alliance (NDA) Collegiate Camp in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The team not only learned new techniques and choreography, but also danced away with many awards and recognitions. The Cougarettes were the only two-year community college represented and competed against highly competitive Division I dance teams.
Over two and a half days, members of Genesee's Cougarettes Dance Team participated in technique, choreography, style routines, and custom coaching classes. The team was evaluated on two routines that they learned at camp, the Game Day Hip Hop and Team Dance which had choreography that included pom, jazz and hip hop. The Cougarettes received a Superior Showmanship Ribbon on their Game Day Hip Hop Routine, and a third place trophy on their Team Dance Routine performance.
The teams participating in NDA Collegiate Camp included: College of Charleston, New York University, University of NC – Greensboro, Virginia Tech University, University of Georgia, University of NC – Charlotte, North Carolina State, North Carolina State Dance Team, Vanderbilt University, University of South Carolina – Columbia, Pennsylvania State – University Park and Tamagawa University from Japan.
The Cougarettes whose competition category is Division III, competed in an upper Division II with the following teams; New York University, University of Georgia and Tamagawa University from Japan. The Cougarettes received the 'Most Improved at Camp' trophy. In addition, the Cougarettes received the Spirit Stick, presented to the teams showing the most sincere spirit and enthusiasm, being on time, cooperation, relationships with other teams and team leadership. These awards are given daily, and at the culmination of camp to the team the NDA staff sees has all-around superior technique and showmanship. Genesee's Sheena Murray and Jacquay Wilder were All-American Nominees. These students were chosen as outstanding individuals who display strength in dance performance skills, leadership ability and overall positive attitude at camp.
"I'm so proud of these young ladies," Jennifer Newell, dean of Students and Cheer and Dance Team coach said. "They have set the stage for an exciting new year and I look forward to working with the teams for another successful season."
The Cougarettes are looking forward to an exciting 2010-2011 season, as well as attending Nationals in Daytona Beach, Florida April 6-10, 2011.
For further information please contact Genesee Cheer and Dance Team coach, Jennifer Newell at 585-343-0055 x6314.
# # #
Editor's Note: Photo Caption -From left to right: Skyler Perry (Niagara Falls, NY), Iasiah Jones (Syracuse, NY), Sheena Murray (Bronx, NY), and Jacquay Wilder, Captain, (Bronx, NY).