Porzondek Named New Oakland Dance Coach

OUGrizzlies.com

ROCHESTER, Mich. - Oakland University has brought back a familiar face with the naming of Sara Porzondek as head coach of Images, the university dance team. She had been a member of Images from 1997-2001.

As a senior, she served as team captain and helped the squad to a runner-up finish at the UDA Nationals. Porzondek is set to begin her duties immediately.

From April 2001 to September 2007, Porzondek was the dance team coach at Rochester High School. Among her duties were choreographing and teaching dance routines for school games and competitions, organizing various fundraising operations and managing team funds. Twice she has been a member of dance teams for professional sports teams in Detroit. She was a member of Automotion for the Detroit Pistons (2001-03) and of The Spark for the Detroit Ignition soccer team (2006-07). Since July 2007, she has been the owner and director of Sara's Dance Academy in Macomb.

Porzondek has a B.A. in English with minors in Communication and Sociology from Oakland. She currently resides in Sterling Heights.

ASU Combines Dance Team, Cheerleaders

By Jason P. Skoda
The Arizona Republic

The sidelines at Arizona State athletic events are going to have a new look in the fall.

The traditional cheerleader squad and the dance team have morphed into the "spirit squad."

The move was made in conjunction with the decision to switch the cheerleading squad from the marketing department's advisement to being handled by the marching band.

"We took our two spirit groups and combined them," said Steve Hank, an associate athletic director in the marketing department. "We will roughly have the same number of (performers) on the field as we did in years past."

Hank also said one of the reasons for the change was the danger involved in the stunting and tumbling aspects of cheerleading.

The decision was made on May 10, and Hank said it had nothing to do with racy photos of former ASU cheerleaders on a Web site, as has been rumored. He also said that there is no link between the shuffling of the cheer squad and the three men's sports that were cut last week.

Most of the cheerleaders felt much like the athletes who lost their programs - that they were blindsided by the decision and left little time to make plans, one former cheerleader said.

They were told about the decision nine days before the tryout for the new spirit squad.

"We did everything for the university," said freshman Kendall Conedera. "We went to every game, every function and every single event, and to be treated like this, with no clear explanation, and absolutely no notice is ridiculous."

Conedera said about eight cheerleaders, including her, tried out for the spirit squad and three upperclassmen made it.

"I think it was extremely unfair," she said. "We were given nine days to get ready for something that has nothing to do with cheerleading."

The Beauty of Motion: a Midwest Conference for Women

The Wilkins Studios at the St. Paul River Center, Minnesota
May 17 - 18, 2008

Online Registration is Now Available!

The MISSION:
Connecting active women for a health-centered, inspiring, and educational workshop.

The VISION:
An event that challenges women to fully embrace their love of dance, artistic movement, fitness, beauty and personal growth.

The EXPERIENCE:
A retreat-like environment providing time to reflect, relax, rejuvenate, and most importantly, MOVE!

The COURSE:
Participants will have their choice of four course offerings per hour.

One will be high-level dance instruction of various styles to include jazz, modern, tap, lyrical, and more taught by top-notch choreographers and instructors.

The second room will also offer dance instruction, but this room will be geared toward less-than-elite level dancers, former dancers, or just those that are a dancer at heart but never had the chance to receive formal training. Still top-notch instructors and choreography, but without the high-level skills of room one!

The third room will offer a mix of active fitness classes. Get a workout or just observe and take notes! Offerings will include yoga, pilates, injury prevention for dancers, bellydancing, core conditioning, flexibility development and more!

The last room will be entirely lecture-based and will include presenters on topics relevant to active women. Lectures include make-up application for stage, every day hair and make-up makeovers, starting a small business, writing a personal or business mission statement, skincare, motivation for yourself and for your team, nutrition, and more!

Undoubtedly, there will be something for you! Move your body all day or get inspired by lectures, or combine the two to create your ideal retreat. Take on hour off to shop our exhibitors expo! Treat yourself to a weekend of fun…for yourself and for the love of dance!

Visit www.thebeautyofmotion.com for more information (including featured instructors), and to register NOW!

Towson Dance Team Takes Home National Title Again

By Ron Matz
WJZ.com

Ron Matz reports it's the 10th year in a row the young women have taken home the National Championship Division I title.

TOWSON, Md. (WJZ) ― They're celebrating at Towson University. The school's amazing dance team has won another championship.

They are a dynasty of dance and they're champions again. The York Road campus is buzzing with excitement.

Twenty-seven young women star on the Towson University Dance Team.

"I absolutely love it. I love the girls, they're awesome. It's great competing and winning with your best friends, being out there all on the same team," said Jenna Standifer.

Coach Tom Cascella is beaming with pride. His team just brought home the first place trophy from the National Championship Division 1 competition in Daytona Beach.

Towson is now the target in the dance duel at Daytona.

The dance team practices at Stephens Hall. It's a grueling schedule that includes even hours on the weekends.

"It's very demanding. We rehearse two nights during the week and seven hours on the weekend. In addition to that, they all go into the studio on their days off to work on their technique, or go to the gym to work on their aerobics," said Cascella.

The Towson University Dance Team was the top seed in the competition. They defeated more than 150 other schools to bring home the championship.

CU Express Coach Makes Denver Broncos Squad

Morgan alum reaches her ultimate Broncos goal

“It (Broncos interview) was the most nerve-wracking thing I’ve ever done.”

By R.B. HEADLEY
Fort Morgan Times

The pain in Liz Harris’ neck wasn’t even connected to the 20 Denver Broncos judges who were probing her football knowledge with John Lynch-like intensity.

“I was practicing my dance routine a few days before and jammed my neck,” the 2000 Fort Morgan High School alumnus revealed. “I twisted a vertebrae, so I had to go visit the chiropractor before I went back for the tryout.”

Ouch. Not a good sign considering this former Mustang state medal-winning gymnast had already failed one year earlier in her first attempt to make the Broncos cheerleading squad.

Plus, at age 26, Robert and Teri Harris’ daughter was also admittedly one of the oldest among more than 200 dancers competing for the 34 roster spots.

“It’s not something you can do forever,” she said. “At some point, you do get too old.”

Yet Liz never surrendered a goal that began “when dad started taking me to Broncos games around age 9.” The family purchased season tickets right near Mile High Stadium’s 20-yard line, exactly where Liz could closely observe what was then a brand-new cheerleading/dance team.

Meanwhile — and perhaps just as importantly — she became equally interested in what was happening on the gridiron. Liz loved all the names from John Elway to Jake Plummer to especially...

“Karl Mecklenburg (former Pro Bowl linebacker). I was a big fan of him, and I think it was mainly because of the way the (public address) announcer said his name,” she recalled.

This football knowledge played a huge role in “the most nerve-wracking thing” she’s ever done. Performing before 70,000 fans was no sweat, because Liz danced for and now coaches the University of Colorado’s “CU Express” team.

However, standing still while being questioned easily became the most stressful part of this spring’s Broncos cheerleading tryouts.

“You get dressed in a business suit, go in on Sunday and stand before those 20 judges,” Liz explained. “They ask you personal questions, football questions and you have to know the Broncos roster. They asked me to name one tight end, and I knew three: Tony Scheffler, Daniel Graham and Nate Jackson.”

In other words, Liz basically “aced” this exam like Elway dominated his final Super Bowl appearance. She credited all those Broncos games plus current boyfriend Reid Kahl, another 2000 Mustang alum who now coaches the Wheat Ridge High School football team.

“Oh yeah, we’ve been known to have the NFL Network on all day,” she said.

But while Liz enjoys football, she was truly delighted about resuming her number one reason to take on the weeklong Broncos tryout process.

“I was just thankful I could get my dance clothes back on and do what I do best,” the Arvada-based hairstylist revealed.

A “Staying Alive” theme developed as 200 prospects were cut to 100, then 69, then down to small groups of three. Contenders must learn a specific dance as judges observe every technique including kicks, splits and pirouettes.

Finalists then perform their own creative dances that “showcase” their specific talents.

“After you’re done, they (the judges) tell you ‘we’ll be back in 20 minutes,’” Liz said. “But it’s more like an hour and a half.”

That’s a time when Liz could focus on other good Fort Morgan friends like “old” buddy Kollette Klassen. Kollette’s pursuing other life goals after spending the past few seasons as a Broncos cheerleader, but that will never break a bond that began during their Morgan elementary school days.

“She (Klassen) has been my best friend for 19 years,” Liz explained. “And she’s helped me so much through this journey. Most don’t make the (Broncos cheerleading) team their first year, and Kollette encouraged me to try again. Plus she’s such a calming influence — whenever I look at her, my nervousness just goes away.”

So a nearly 90-minute wait was no problem, especially when Liz received the long-awaited good news on this Sunday, April 6:

She’d earned her spot on this year’s Denver Broncos cheerleading team.

That’s three recent Bronco cheerleaders who’ve owned Fort Morgan ties: Liz, Kollette and Morgan resident Emily Harper. Harper has also decided to pursue other activities this fall.

Both the fun and hard work are still ahead for Liz. Practices begin in June and there’s a weeklong trip for the annual cheerleader calendar photo shoot.

Liz will continue to coach the CU Express dance team while traveling throughout the Denver area for her full-time hairstyling profession. She also spends one day each week working with Call’s Wheat Ridge team on strength, flexibility and agility.

Don’t forget the many hours of community events involving the Broncos cheerleading team.

“I’m really looking forward to working with the Broncos juniors cheerleaders, and hopefully being a good influence for them,” she said. “It is a lot of work. You never sit down on (Broncos) game days. You’re constantly on the go.”

Liz also mentioned that her travels include one day a week of hairstyling work in Fort Morgan. Those interested can contact her at (303) 768-6910.

The New Paltz Dance Team

By Pierce Lydon, Copy Editor
The New Paltz Oracle

It’s pretty fair to say the people love to dance. You dance at the bar. You dance at parties. You probably even dance by yourself in your room to your favorite songs. Well, if you really love to dance then have we got a club for you!

The New Paltz Dance Team has been an active organization for over two years but just recently became recognized by the Student Association. They originally began as a kickline team but as new members became the leaders of the club, their focus shifted a bit.

“We, as a team, have begun to change our focus to more of a dance background, establish more performances throughout the year and collaborate with many of the other groups on campus,” said Captain Beth Frank. “With these new, fantastic changes, we decided to change our name to New Paltz Dance Team to celebrate and specify our growth.”

With their new name and new drive, the team decided to become a part of the Student Association family. They wanted to be recognized on campus and saw the Student Association (SA) as a great networking tool for future collaborations with other clubs, as well as a forum for their ideas and fundraising projects. Joining SA made it easier for them to achieve what they couldn’t while they were an outside organization.

But what if your passion and love of dance exceeds your actual talent? No worries! The New Paltz Dance Team is very open to new recruits from the most experienced dancers to ones that are just starting out. Even the current team has people from all sorts of backgrounds.

“Some of the team members have never danced before while other members have been training their whole lives,” said Frank. “I love that the dance team brings people together, challenges people to do what they thought they never could.”

The New Paltz Dance Team has been very busy this semester. They performed at Fresh Dance, a completely student run dance concert and they perform at halftime for both Men’s and Women’s basketball games. In addition, they dedicate approximately six hours to practice every week.

You can see this hard-working club in action on Thursday, April 24 at 7:30 p.m. at an event called Dance Fusion at the Elting Gym. The show will consist of many different organizations performing many different styles of dance. The New Paltz Dance Team will be performing everything from ballet to jazz and kickline. Shades will be performing some step and Culture Shock Dance Troupe will perform hip-hop dances. Fraternity Tau Kappa Epsilon will be putting on a ballroom dance and Alpha Psi Ecdysia will debut their burlesque dance group. These groups have teamed with the Sexy Pitches, who will be singing during the performance. Plus, 50 percent of the proceeds will be donated to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, a cause that is very close to some of the performers.

Next year, you can expect even more activity from the New Paltz Dance Team as members of the Student Association. They will still be doing the basketball games and Fresh Dance, but are open to new events and can’t wait for next year.

“We are always up for new performances, especially ones that support a charity or a good cause,” said Frank. “We have a really strong team this year and we can’t wait for auditions again next year!”

If you’d like more information about the New Paltz Dance Team you can contact Beth Frank or check out the New Paltz Dance Team Facebook group.

Dancer Gets 'Golden' Chance At Next Level

By Chrissy Smith
The Daily News Online

FRANKLINTON - Danielle Hall is in an elite group of dancers.

Out of 74 hopefuls, Hall was chosen as one of the 16 Golden Girls at LSU.

The Golden Girls dance with the band at the football games. In previous years, the dance team has only traveled with the football squad for one away game, but this year, the Golden Girls will be sparkling at every game.

Hall planned on going to LSU long ago, ever since she decided to become a dental hygienist. Once she was accepted at LSU, she chose to tryout for the dance team.

There were 74 girls who showed up and each one had to perform a solo routine for the judges. After that, 40 girls were let go. The remaining 34 girls had one hour to learn an advanced jazz routine.

"It was really hard," Hall said.

From that, only 16 girls were picked for the final team, and Hall was one of those young ladies.

"I didn't think it was true. It just didn't seem believable," Hall said when she found out she made the team.

The 18-year-old will graduate from Bowling Green School next month. She was on the Treasures from seventh to ninth grade at BGS and was the captain her final year. Then from tenth to twelfth grades, Hall was on the Buccanettes where she was the captain her senior year.

Hall started dancing when she was 3 years old at Dawn Alsord's Dance Academy. She danced there for 15 years and along the way has been helped by Brian Applewhite and Kathy O'Quinn.

Hall has been dedicated to dance all her life. For two months during her senior year, she took a dance class in Baton Rouge every Monday.

"I didn't get home until 11 p.m. or midnight every night," Hall said.

Her parents, Donna and Donnovan, have been supportive of their daughter's dancing path, and are even more pleased now that Hall is on the team at LSU.

The $1,000 scholarship the high school senior gets for dancing at LSU will certainly help in the financial end.

"I'm living in a dorm, and school is expensive living in a dorm," Hall said. She also has TOPS.

Hall's schedule at LSU will be just like a student-athlete. She has to take at least 12 hours a semester and has practice every Monday through Friday from 3:50 p.m. to 5:20 p.m. She also has to maintain a 2.0 GPA.

"Dancing is a sport because you have to have endurance and be a team," Hall said of how her extra-curricular activity is just like anyone else's.

She will get ready for graduation in May and then move to LSU shortly after that.