By Jessica Robison
Moapa Valley Progress
The Moapa Valley High School Pirate Motion Dance Team held its annual Junior Dance Camp on February 28 – March 1. Members of the Pirate Motion Dance Team worked with more than 50 young, future Pirate Motion dancers. The girls were separated into five different age groups from preschool through middle school for the camp.
“This is our big fundraiser for the year,” said Pirate Motion coach Angie Lee. “The little kids love it. They get to see the older girls dance and mentor them. It’s a fun event.”
The registration cost for the week long dance camp was $30. In addition to instruction and fun, each girl received t-shirt that they would be performing in at the Pirate Motion Revue held at the end of the week. The rest of the money went into the Pirate Motion Fund.
“It pays for new uniforms and supplies that we need throughout the year,” Lee explained. “It also covers the cost for trophies and the things we need for Revue.”
The hour-long daily classes began with games. The girls would sing and dance until everyone had arrived. Then, they would separate into their age groups and learn a one minute routine, as well as receive helpful tips and new dance techniques. A snack was provided at the end.
Friends and family were invited to watch the girls perform, using their newly learned skills, at the Pirate Motion Dance Revue on Thursday night. When the young girls finished, the Pirate Motion team took the floor, showing the crowd their talent and school spirit.
“At the Dance Revue we basically showcase all the dances that [Pirate Motion] has learned that year,” Lee stated. “The girls worked really hard to make it nice.”
After the flashback of dances performed throughout the year, the Pirate Motion team members appeared in formal dresses each with an escort. They were each invited to the front one-by-one and the audience was told a bit about them including who they are, what grade they are in, and a brief bio. Each segment also highlights the girl’s plans for the future, her hobbies, favorite dance moves, etc.
The girls also received special awards for a variety of categories including “Best Veteran,” “Best Rookie,” or “Favorite Dancer.”
“Revue was a blast!” said MVHS senior dancer, McKenzie Hauver. “Special thanks to our coaches and all those who helped make it happen. And to my awesome escort… we rocked it!”
