Reina Van Florcke, head coach of the Sacred Heart University Division I Dance Team, had much to say about the team and the behind-the-scenes work that goes into each performance. After former head coach Deirdre Hennessey retired, Van Florcke became the new head coach in 2019.
“It is a big time commitment on top of a full-time teaching job, but I could not imagine my life without it,” said Van Florcke. “It has allowed me to continue to have dance be a part of my life, which has been a passion of mine since the age of three.”
Sacred Heart’s Dance Team pictured after
performing at the game against Delaware
State.
Source: Instagram, @shudanceteam
The dancers compete in D1 Jazz, Spirit Rally and Hip Hop, which they typically perform at school games in pom form to the university’s ‘Fight Song.’ As for accomplishments, “This year, we placed sixth in Spirit Rally, it was our first year ever competing in this category and we were bumped into the D1A division,” said Van Florcke.
When preparing for a football game performance, Van Florcke said it takes about one to two weeks to learn a new routine, place dancers in their spots and practice on the field.
“We like to do at least a different halftime routine every home football game and if possible a new timeout as well,” said Van Florcke.
In addition, Van Florcke said, “Football is great because they are usually packed games and they perform as a full team. They also like being in the endzone during the game and doing sidelines with the band/music played throughout the game.”
When it comes to the bonding aspect of the team, Van Florcke said, “It becomes like a family due to the amount of time they spend with each other.”
Senior Jillian Angeramo, SHU dance team captain, has been dancing for 19 years and had a lot to say about the sport while performing for games.
“While I feel as though dance is not a well-known sport, it is a proud moment where I feel as though we are recognized by athletes and fans as we share our craft with people outside of the dance community,” said Angeramo.
“My favorite moment during our choreography would have to be setting our opening formation for a routine,” said Angeramo. “One of our teammates will count, ‘5, 6, 7, 8’ and the team will respond ‘Heart’ while we hit our beginning pose.”
Despite attending national competitions, football and basketball games have become one of Angeramo’s most exciting experiences as a dancer.
“Performing dances with my teammates is such an exciting experience. Dancing on game days, whether it be football or basketball, is the most fun I have ever had performing,” said Angeramo. “Dancing on stage or at a competition comes with a sense of stress, pressure and nerves, but there is something about dancing at a game that makes all those emotions go away.”
Dance is an integral part of Angeramo’s life on and off the field.
“Dance has also taught me how to stay humble, perseverance, accountability, rejection, dedication and so much more that I apply to my day-to-day life,” said Angeramo. “I truly feel as if it weren’t for the lessons I have learned and qualities I have gained from being a dancer I would not be the person I am today.”
