The Broncettes danced their hearts out on the stage of the University Theatre on Saturday night at their fifth annual spring showcase.
While the members of the dance team have displayed their moves at various sporting events, they were also preparing for the dance version of a championship game – the showcase.
Planning for the dance show began in December and the hours were long for the president of the team, Abby Formanowicz, a third-year math student who has assisted in arranging the show for the past two years.
She states that the work is worth it.
“My first year it was not as difficult for me because I was not on e-board and I only performed in the dances,” Formanowicz said. “So, I did not have to actually come up with everything and organize it all. We are here a lot longer than everyone else to make sure it runs smoothly.”
The showcase consisted of 24 performances from not only Broncos but also other dance companies and teams from other schools and companies.
Other groups included the South Hills Dance Encore, Inner Essence Dance Company, Spotlight Unlimited Studio and the El Modena High School Pom Team.
The showcase included a musical performance by Sydney Rodriguez, sister of one of the Broncettes, who sang a cover of the song “Riptide” by Vance Joy while playing her ukulele.
The team also highlighted Alyssa Spradling, the only graduating senior on the Broncettes this year.
“First you have to brainstorm a theme or something that inspires you because in the end you want your dance to mean something and have a story. Then pick the style like jazz, hip hop or hard core,” said Stephanie Rodriguez, second-year bio-chemistry student. “It is really nerve wracking but at the end of the day if you worked hard enough it feels like nothing and you could do it in your sleep.”
Dances were choreographed by multiple Broncettes and ranged from full team performances of the 16 members to also solos.
There was an assortment of styles of dance in the showcase such as hip hop, tap and contemporary.
“It is less stressful being a returning member this year because you know [you] have the feeling of how the team works and how our shows are run,” said Stephanie Hansen, a second-year hospitality student. “You also have the added responsibility of helping out the newer members. Looking back at it, being a returner is a sweet moment because you get to see that they are the next people to take over the team.”
Tryouts for the Broncettes were Monday, May 6, in the Darlene May Gym at 6 p.m.
