by GABRIELLA DEPINHO, News Editor
Being just a few months out from basketball season, the Jasper Dancers are already hard at work preparing routines and even looking to nationals in the distance. With each year, new dancers come to team tryouts, hopeful to make the team and hopeful to make their marks on the dance floor.
This year, the Jasper Dancers took seven new freshmen and one sophomore who are eager to be part of the program. The Quadrangle had the chance to talk to three of the new freshmen about their experience and what they are looking forward to as rookie members of the team.
Christina Rella, a freshman marketing major, made the team at the fall tryouts, held on September 9 and 10.
The Quadrangle: How much dance experience did you have prior to coming to college?
Christina Rella: I’ve been dancing recreationally and competitively since I was 3 years old at my local studio in the Bronx and I went to a performing arts school in Manhattan for high school! I’ve trained in most styles but mainly jazz, hip hop, lyrical, tap, and ballet!
TQ: Why did you decide to try out for the dance team?
CR: I decided to try out for the dance team because I didn’t want to give up my passion for dance. I wanted to meet and work with other girls who have that same passion!
TQ: How did you feel when you found out you made it?
CR: I was super excited when I found out I made the team! I told my closest friends and family right away!
TQ: What are you looking forward to the most with the team?
CR: I’m looking forward to making new friendships and becoming a stronger dancer! I’m really excited to dance at basketball games and go to nationals!
Jenna Macnie, an exercise science major, made the team during tryouts at her orientation session.
TQ: How much dance experience did you have prior to coming to college?
Jenna Macnie: I had 12 years of experience competing on a competition team at a studio where I live.
TQ: Why did you decide to try out for the dance team?
JM: I decided to try out for the dance team because I knew I didn’t want to stop dancing and I love being apart of a group of people that share the same interests and hobbies.
TQ: How did you feel when you found out you made it? And what are you looking forward to the most?
JM: I was excited when I made it and looking forward to meeting all of the girls and to start dancing! I am most looking forward to getting closer with everyone on the team and performing at the competitions and basketball games and forming closer bonds with all of the girls.
Sam Miraglia, a civil engineering major, also made the team during one of the tryouts at the June tryouts.
TQ: How much dance experience did you have prior to coming to college?
Sam Miraglia: I have been dancing my whole life since I was just 2 years old. It wasn’t until I was around 14 that I switched to a company dance team where I started competing and dancing more frequently. Throughout high school I was apart of my school’s kickline team where I also competed and attended NDA Nationals.
TQ: Why did you decide to try out for the dance team?
SM: As I was looking into different colleges, along with academics I was looking into the programs each campus had. I did not have much interest in continuing to dance throughout college because I wanted to focus primarily on my major without much distraction, but after looking into the Jasper Dancers I saw a team that looked extremely dedicated and awesome at what they do, a team that I could very much see myself apart of.
TQ: How did you feel when you found out you made it?
SM: When I tried out, I had the mindset that I would be happy, whether I made the team or not, because I wanted to focus on my major heavily. However after getting the news that I made it, I was extremely excited that it was true. I was amazed at the fact that I was now on a college dance team and actually capable of dancing at this level with these girls. My feelings have only grown after spending NDA Camp and a few classes with these girls, I am extremely excited to spend my year dancing with these girls.
TQ: What are you looking forward to the most with the team?
SM: I am definitely excited to perform with my team. I love performing whether it is at a game, competition, literally anything. I am also extremely excited to be apart of a team and grow everyday with these girls, both as friends and as teammates.