By Eliana DeGlopper, Features Contributor
The Dance Griffs have made a phenomenal comeback since the team was put on hold when the Covid-19 pandemic began in 2020. Since then, the team has grown abundantly in size, now complete with 14 talented dancers under head coach Megan Valery.
In addition to sporting their multiple new uniforms, apparel and poms, the team can be spotted performing multiple times at every men’s and women’s home basketball game, as well as cheering on some home hockey games.
This did not come without hard work, however, as the team has worked diligently with online apparel, Bison games and Chuck-a-Puck fundraisers. The athletics department has been extremely supportive in the process and recognized the athleticism and artistic nature of dancing, as well as the power it has to move an audience and create a positive atmosphere.
Thanks to two practices per week, new center-court routines are performed at each game, with the most recent fan favorite a routine set to the Dallas Cowboy classic song “Thunderstruck” complete with a Dance Griffs kickline! Currently, the team is learning a piece that will be performed at a competition.
They will be traveling to Brockport, NY to compete in a collegiate-level competition, as well as traveling with the basketball team, cheer team, pep band and C-Block to Atlantic City, NJ to perform at a showcase for the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) as well as support the men and women’s basketball teams. Additionally, the team will be holding a Kids’ Clinic on Feb. 4, where young dancers aged 4-13 can learn a routine and perform at a basketball game halftime as a junior Dance Griff!
If you ever want to see a fun performance or need a bit of joy, stop by the KAC during game day. We love what we do and love sharing what we love with anyone who wants to watch. Go Griffs!