Mahi Aneja and Jasraj Bharaj
The Steinert P.R.I.D.E Dance Team has truly outdone themselves this year with all that they have going on in their schedules. Their captivating performance at the pep rally was just the beginning. It was merely the introduction to this dance team and all that they have to offer.
After the girls were done with the pep rally, it was time to start preparing for the upcoming basketball and competition season. While the rest of the team focused on performing at the basketball games during half-time, 10 girls were chosen to compete at three competitions that the PDT competes in.
These competitions include UDA Regional Competition: Battle of the Northeast Dance Challenge on January 6th, NJCDCA: New Jersey Cheer and Dance Coaches Association State Competition on February 25, and Breakout Dance Competition in March in which they won the title of the “Best Entertainment” award last year.
These girls went through an intense tryout that was judged by multiple faculty members throughout our school. For these girls, practices are held 4 times a week in which they must pick up quick hip-hop choreography and execute it with energy each run-through. With multiple injuries occurring, there have been blocking changes, replacements, tears, and a whole lot of patience from Coach Navata’s side. She is determined to defeat any setbacks and is willing to take on anything that comes her way. With the competition only days away now, she uses the help of her committed captains Jasraj Baweja, Amira Soto, and Mahi Aneja. These captains assist Coach Navata when she is busy with basketball games and while juggling the responsibilities of two teams.
The SPDT has a lot on their plates this year. Along with performing at the basketball games for the next few months and preparing for three competitions in 2024, they also have their own showcase, the talent show, and Teens Art performance to prepare for. This is the busiest year yet and it will surely be the most successful one as well.