Jolly Roger: Drake Dance-Off

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BY LAUREN ANTONE

The Drake Dance Troupe  hit the Redwood City dance floor this weekend for the returning dance-off.

Last year, the Drake Dance Troupe attended the same competition and stood out from the other dance teams through their hip-hop dance moves. Although there was not supposed to be a ranking system, the teams received scores anyhow and dance troop claimed third place.

“We ended up being the most hip-hop; the most ghetto. The other performances were more contemporary and ranged from ballet, to jazz, to tap,” said Senior Vesta Williams, a team captain for dance troupe. 

Williams, who performed with the troupe last year, was more than impressed with how well the team did. “The other groups actually had choreographers create their dances for them, [because] a lot of the groups were from performing arts schools. But we were the only ones who had student-run performances and we choreographed our own dances,” said Williams.

Dance Troupe was invited back to compete again this year because they impressed the judges with their originality, according to Williams.

This year the dance-off has changed in order to better accommodate groups with differing dance styles. Categories have been added to improve the transition from one dance style to the next, and, according to Williams, Dance Troupe’s genre was part of the reason for the change.

Although the team is unsure of what category they fit into, they were confident and ready to show every dance move they’ve got. “I think Dance Troupe is definitely a worthy competitor,” said senior Vicky Sarkisian. “We will bring something different to the competition through our style.”

Dance Troupe practices afterschool Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and some Fridays to prepare for their performances at rallies and half-time shows at basketball games. (Watch a video of them dancing at a Marin Catholic basketball game last year at right.) Now, the competition has the all-girl team focused on something new. “I think we’re going to be ready because everyone is really dedicated to getting the dances down,” said senior Kai Champagne, a new addition to the team. “We’ve been working really hard [and] I’m really excited. We’re going to kick some booty!”

For many of the girls, being part of the group and having the opportunity to perform, practice and grow in an accepting environment is really important to them. “Dance Troupe is usually the only thing that gets me through the day. I love the girls, the dancing, and being part of the team,” said Sarkisian.

According to Champagne, Dance Troupe is more than it may seem: “It’s taught me about teamwork and moving with people in a group.” Working as one whole instead of several individuals is part of dance troupe’s image, although according to Champagne, “each person brings their individual swag,” which helps the group grow. 

Headed by team captains, seniors Vesta Williams and Nikki Higgens and junior Savannah Sperry, 16 out of the 18 group members, accompanied by parents, carpooled to the Dec. 3 competition. Jack Sims, the current Dance Troupe advisor, didn't attending the dance-off, but has lent his time and support to the group to keep it available at our school.

Regardless of the outcome at the dance-off, Williams was proud of the troop and all of its hard work going into the weekend. “I am very confident in my troop; my girls are all extraordinary dancers and I have confidence in everything we do.”

Add photos or videos of the girls dancing below.