In-sync claps, high kicks, and flawless turns only make up a fraction of the Viking Dance Team’s many talents. For the Viking Dance Team members, years of love for their sport and dedication to their school put them where they are today.
“I decided to join this dance team because it’s been a lifelong dream of mine,” said junior Addison Hale. “I’ve been dancing since I was like four or five, so I’ve always just wanted to dance at an older age.”
From their childhood years until now, these dancers have put immense time and effort into their craft. However, even though hours of practice takes place behind the scenes, some people still argue that the Viking Dance Team is not classified as a sport.
According to the Oxford Languages Dictionary, a sport is defined as “an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment.”
The dance team meets this definition: dance requires physical exertion that builds cardio stamina, strength, and flexibility. Throughout their season, the team has multiple opportunities to compete, and at basketball and football games, they entertain fans through their performance.
“We practice like a sports team, we compete like a sports team, we train like a sports team.” said junior Madelyn Hess. “I guess it looks easy, but it takes a lot of work to make it look easy.”
Along with practices throughout the school year to prepare for games, the Viking Dance Team also went to UDA camp this summer. The team traveled to Tennessee Tech University to learn halftime dances, pom technique, and new skills to incorporate into their season.
“During UDA camp, we would have to wake up really early, every day. It was really fun, like, kind of living with the girls for that week,” said freshman Marley Arnold.
At the camp, the girls also had the opportunity to compete as a team, and some compete individually. The team received 2nd in “Gameday” and 3rd in Jazz, along with two bids to Walt Disney World to compete at Dance High School Nationals in January.
Through hours of rigorous practice, challenging competitions, and crucial training, the Viking Dance Team continues to improve their craft for the season. While entertaining crowds at both competitions and sporting events, the team represents both their school and their sport.
“I hope people view the dance team as disciplined individuals who are part of the community and who are hard-working, kind-hearted girls who encourage Viking pride,” said Head Coach Taylor Royston.
