Grand Canyon University Athletics
Getting to know the GCU Dance Team
1/24/2017 6:56:00 PM | Dance Team
PHOENIX - Being part of a college dance team is a commitment that goes beyond practices and performances. A team gives students a place of community and belonging within the larger population. The GCU Dance Team encompasses many unique qualities that make it different from dance teams at other universities.
Members of the 2016-2017 GCU Dance Team were interviewed and asked what they believe makes the GCU Dance Team stand out amongst the rest. First-year member Abbey DeLaet said, "The love and support we all have for each other on this team is unlike any other. We are growing individually but also together and supporting each other constantly."
Amanda Johnson, a second-year member added, "We really do love each other, and the team is more than being just about dance - it is about glorifying God and being a family."
While maintaining a collegiate look is extremely important, the member's faith, relationship with Jesus, and love for others are what makes this team unusually unique among college dance teams. This team places a large emphasis on each team member's spiritual growth.
When asked what their favorite part of the GCU Dance Team is, "the sisterhood that is formed between the girls," was by far the most popular answer. Team bonding is something that is of high priority to this team. Being able to walk on a college campus of 16,000 students and know that there is a full squad supporting each member through each step of their college journey is a very comforting feeling for team members.
Collegiate dance teams have significant differences from high school dance teams. As a GCU dancer, one is expected to represent the university both on campus and off, whether in uniform or not. Members need to maintain a wholesome image and be above reproach. Dance team members are expected to be ambassadors of GCU and are role models to many members of the university and the community.
Fifth year member Kara Seratte explained the difference between high school and college teams in this way. "The professionalism and maturity required at the collegiate level are significantly different than high school," Seratte said. "With that comes a lot of opportunities such as travel and television time that do not generally accompany a high school dance team experience."
While dance team members are held to an extremely high moral standard, they are afforded many unique experiences as a result.
Although the dance team has many positive aspects, it does not come without challenges. One of the biggest challenges that the girls face is the extreme time commitment required of a college dance team. Along with school, there are required weekly practices, workouts, games, appearances, and community events. It is easy to become overwhelmed and stressed with a schedule that full.
Prioritizing, smart scheduling, and employing effective work habits are some of the ways the girls have learned to handle the team schedule. Coach Jacque Genung-Koch also spends time with the girls each year teaching tricks and tips on efficient schedule managing.
The GCU Dance Team is a team unlike any other. It is filled with companionship, spiritual growth, and hard work. This team provides opportunities that make an impact on the university itself as well as on the surrounding community. It is a place to come and make friends that will last a lifetime while sharing experiences that will cause members to grow into mature and professional adults who are ready for life after college.
