The OLSH Dance team was created in 2020 and is coached by Mrs. Mercando. The Dance Team makes appearances during basketball games, entertaining the crowd during halftime with their routine. The current members of the 2022-2023 OLSH Dance Team are Isabella Cardimen ‘23, Gabby Evans ‘23, Olivia Wegrzynowicz ‘23, Victoria Wegrzynowicz ‘23, Theresa Kilburg ‘25, Breeona Murtha ‘25, Sarah Sellman ‘26, and Sara Yakim ‘24.

I interviewed Mrs. Mercando along with dance team member, senior Isabella Cardimen, to get their insights.

Mrs. Mercando: 

Why did you decide to start a dance team?  

I decided to start the OLSH Dance Team because I had grown up dancing and really loved helping out at my dance studio. Being able to start the OLSH Dance Team allowed me to share my love for dancing with the students here.

What challenges do you encounter coaching the team?

One of the challenges I have encountered with coaching the Dance Team is that all the girls dance outside of OLSH so sometimes it can be hard to coordinate practices and games.

What do you enjoy most about coaching the dance team?

The thing I enjoy the most about coaching the Dance Team is watching the girls grow over the years and getting to see them perform at basketball games.

What is the inspiration you use to choreograph the dances?

The inspiration I have for the choreography is getting to know the dancers and what they enjoy doing most. This also sets the theme for the type of dance we do each year.

Isabella:

What do you enjoy most about being on the dance team?

What I enjoy most about being on the dance team is that I get to dance with my friends and I get to do other styles of dance like jazz and contemporary rather than just ballet, which is what I’m mostly taught.

What is the hardest thing about being on the dance team?

I think the hardest thing about being on the dance team was not getting nervous before dancing at halftime. 

What is your favorite memory while on the OLSH dance team?

My favorite memory on the dance team was being able to be with my friends and our Sunday practices we would have.

What made you want to join the dance team?

What made me join the dance team was mainly the fact that I like to dance.   

The OLSH Dance team is done for this year, but they will perform again next year when basketball season starts up.