School spirit comes easy for Park’s Crimson Dancers, but not without a struggling start to get there.
Park didn’t always have a dance squad. It wasn’t until senior broadcasting major Abigail Jeans introduced the idea after Park eliminated its cheer team. However, the cheerleading program had been part of the Park Athletics department.
When Jeans started the dance squad she founded it as a club, not a sport, and thus eliminated the ties with the department. However, the dancers still have to work closely with them. Jeans said the relationship was rocky to begin with, but now they are performing more regularly at basketball games.
Additionally, the Crimson Dancers perform at a few school events, such as the community event and Christmas on the River.
“The girls on the team are my favorite part. They all work so hard and are so dedicated to become better dancers,” said Jeans. “It makes me so happy to think that I started something at Park that other people love and look forward to coming to.”
The team of 13 girls perform styles emphasizing in Jazz, Hip-Hop and Pom. Jeans does most of the choreography but Tiona Cain takes charge of the Hip-Hop routines.
The Crimson Dancers continue to grow in size and their school spirit grows with them. PSGA grants clubs $200 to get the clubs up and running but the dancers need more money to supply uniforms. The team has turned to fundraising to get what they need.
Although the team faces some obstacles, the dance team continues to deliver school pride and spirit for the university. And through that, the girls are rewarded with great memories and experiences that make it worthwhile.
“I hope that even after I graduate, these girls will keep the Crimson Dancers going,” said Jeans.