Dance team's holds "Dancing with the Athletes" for a fundraiser

On Friday, Feb. 9, Fallbrook High School's dance team held its inaugural "Dancing with the Athletes" fundraiser. The dance competition enlisted the entire dance team and their selected athlete dance partners to choreograph, practice, and perform dances of their own on the night of the show.

Dance team senior Hayley Lawson said, "We were looking for a different, fun fundraiser and we took major inspiration from 'Dancing with the Stars'." Such inspiration from the hit television show included an opening number performed by the dance team "pros", a panel of teacher-judges, live audience voting, and even a trophy for first place.

The dancers chose partners from a range of Fallbrook High athletic teams, from football to diving and practiced for weeks leading up to the big night. Rugby player Maggie Magana said of her preparation, "Every day since I learned the dance I practiced almost non-stop. I would even be dancing a bit during my classes, but I mainly practiced at home."

After dedicating abundant time and energy to their preparation, the dancers took the stage. Each couple (or trio, in the case of one group) performed a one-and-a-half minute routine in any style the dancer chose.

Lawson said of the freedom the dancers had in the creative process, "My favorite part of being in the competition was how individualized it was. We were able to choose our partner and our own song and really tailor our piece to our personality."

An array of personalities were definitely expressed throughout the show as routines ranged from hip-hop to contemporary to ballet, and a multitude of crowd pleasing tricks were prevalent in all the dances.

Once each group finished their performance, they received feedback from the volunteer teacher-judge panel, which consisted of choir teacher, Mrs. Smith; biology teacher, Mr. Saltamachio, and history teachers, Mr. Roberts and Mr. Romanelli. Shortly after the final group performed, the judges and audience cast their votes via cell phones to determine the victors of the competition.

Brother-sister duo Chiara and Tanner Curnow (dancer and water polo player, respectively) won by an overwhelming margin with their 50's swing routine to Elvis Presley's "Jailhouse Rock" that was rife with show-stopping lifts and high energy fun.

The dancers and their athlete partners gained a lot through their experience in the show. Water polo player Aria Firooz commented, "I have gained a greater respect for dancers because that was hard." Magana said of her experience, "My favorite part was practicing with an old friend of mine on the dance team, Trinity, because we got to connect on another level."

"Dancing with the Athletes" was such a successful fundraiser for the Fallbrook Dance Team - and an enjoyable one for all those who participated and came out to support - that they hope to continue doing it in future years.

Dancer Lawson remarked, "This competition was so much fun to put on and be a part of and, as a senior, it meant a lot to be a part of the first annual competition."

The Fallbrook Dance Team is looking forward to the rest of their season, including their upcoming shows on April 12 and 13.