Through hours of practice, conditioning and team bonding, the CUI Dance team is game-ready for this basketball season, despite the challenges with COVID-19 restrictions on campus.

The CUI Dance team has been hard at work this year as they prepare for basketball season, despite being hit with ever-changing COVID regulations. Their practice and determination have led them to perform at last semester’s Midnight Madness, and when regulations allow, cheer on the sidelines for our men’s and women’s basketball teams. The dance team has mastered several styles of dance, and implemented routines from guest choreographers during several practices. 

Besides the changing COVID environment, this team faces the challenge of growing a fairly new program, started in 2018. Sarah Zimmer, a Mass Communications major and member of the team, commented on this experience and on the team as a whole; “I love being on this team because I feel like we are all aiding in the beginning of such a cool, new program. Dance is a great way to get involved on-campus and share your passion with others,” Zimmer said, adding, “The Dance team has been such a light throughout this rollercoaster of a school year for me.”

The inspiring team is led by Samantha (Sam) Price, Head Coach of the Dance team, who started her position at Concordia in Spring of 2021. Through the virtual practices and lack of in-person activities, Price is looking forward to the full experience of campus game days soon. She said, “The unprecedented times leave a lot up in the air but by consistently practicing and always being prepared for multiple scenarios, we as a team can put on the best possible show for the audience…we have been working together to make the best of each situation that we are put in and are grateful for all of the experiences we have had so far. Price added, “We can't wait to see what else there is in store for us!” 

The team has stayed positive through their obstacles by adapting to changes and growing together as a team. Kari Wilhelm, a senior Communications major and fellow dance team member, draws attention to the impact this experience has given her this year. Wilhelm said, “The team dynamic is really fun and uplifting. Our practices consist of a mix of hard work to stay on top of our technique, but also a lot of laughter to provide a positive environment to be able to dance in.” 

The dance team serves as a great way to get involved on campus if you love to…well, dance! Wilhelm explained how this team is a highlight for her by allowing her to do what she loves. “My favorite part is having an outlet to be able to dance in at school,” Wilhelm said, adding, “The CUI dance team provides the perfect environment for dancers to be able to express themselves and also expand on their technique and skill.”

“As a coach, I look forward to working with my dancers each week,” said head coach Price. “We are a very tight group and I love being able to create a space and time for them to continue their passion of dance. These girls are driven, smart, kind, and dedicated. I couldn't ask for a better group to spend my time dancing with.”

Currently, there are no formal auditions being held on campus, however, the team is actively recruiting new members! If you are interested in joining the CUI Dance Team, reach out to head coach Sam Price at samantha.price@cui.edu, and show your support by watching the team perform at Concordia’s next basketball home game.

Tags: women's athletics, dance

---

About Adyson Casteel

Adyson Casteel is a senior undergraduate student at Concordia University Irvine, studying Mass Communications. Adyson works as the Campus Editor for the university’s student-led newspaper, the Concordia Courier. Adyson is from Minden, NV, about 20 minutes from South Lake Tahoe, where she has the unique pleasure of both living on a ranch and spending time on the lake. 

In Adyson’s current role as Campus Editor, she writes her own articles for each edition, and oversees other campus articles from her peers. Adyson investigates the latest happenings on campus and student life, and turns them into newsworthy articles for Concordia community to enjoy. She conducts interviews from various campus sources, strengthening her articles with credibility and connecting her to many diverse individuals in the community. 

Adyson believes that everyone should step out of their comfort zone, and go the extra mile to grow in whatever you love to do. She strives to gain experience from many different fields within communications and marketing, including her work experience at Weidinger Public Relations, the firm that puts on the largest media-covered event in Tahoe; the American Century Championship Celebrity Golf Tournament.   

More articles by Adyson Casteel