The Holy Cross Step Team had a successful fall season performing at an all-school assembly, Open House, and the 2023 Winter Dance Concert. The team gave many students the opportunity to dance, have fun, and become friends with new people.
The idea for a step team came into fruition a few years back by an alumna.
“A lot of girls were interested so we made the team,” Dena Maye, the team’s moderator, stated.
Senior DeAirra Williams is captain of the team and she described step as “a form of dance that’s a combination of footwork, body movement, and teamwork.” Williams was on the team during her sophomore and senior years.
“It’s not your ordinary dance team.” Williams stated. “It’s something that when people watch, they’ll get a different sense of movements and kind of see a story, depending on what the idea of the step is.”
Upperclassmen on the team also felt a mix of emotions since their time at Holy Cross is coming to an end. Performing with the team was something they were truly passionate about.
“Being a senior on the team is completely different from how I felt as a sophomore.” Williams commented. “I was stepping out of my comfort zone. I was doing something that I didn’t think I would ever do.”
The Holy Cross Steppers met up twice a week for an hour on Mondays and Tuesdays. They had to learn choreography quickly and stay focused during practice. They learned four dance routines throughout fall.
“‘Barbie World’ by Nicki Minaj and ‘Sticky’ by Drake were my favorites to dance to because they were fun and had a lot of dance styles,” freshman Chisimdi Iweanoge excitedly reflected. “My energy was at 100 percent.”
The team has also formed a special bond through practices, performances, and spending time together.
“I became captain my senior year and I’m someone who is sort of like an older sister to the others, but also having fun and making sure we get stuff done,” Williams happily said.
LOTAs in different grades also got to know each other throughout the season.
“It helped me make new connections with new people,” Iweanoge mentioned.
There were 12 girls on the team. They performed in front of many people, including current students, prospective students, faculty, parents, and other family members. Iweanoge thoroughly enjoyed her time on the team and believes she’ll continue to do step until her senior year.
“The day after our first performance when we were all congratulating each other for doing so well was my favorite memory,” Iweanoge said.
All the team members had their own highlights from the season.
“My favorite part of this season was the dance concert because it was the end result of all of the hard work and dedication of the girls,” explained Maye.
The team has seen a lot of growth throughout the season.
“At first they were quiet and wouldn’t make suggestions,” Maye shared. “They got more comfortable with routines and how to step and they started contributing.”
