Dance and Cheer Excel at GPAC Competition

By Lindsay Martin–Saturday, February 8th, the Morningside competition cheer team and dance team performed at the first annual GPAC invitational.

In the cheer stunting division, Morningside placed 2nd, losing to the co-ed cheer squad from Midland University. The team competed against Midland University, Briar Cliff University, and Doane College.

Ashley Eberly, assistant cheer and dance coach, said, “I am very proud of the Morningside cheerleaders. Not only did they make school history by being the first squad to compete in a collegiate cheer competition, they also earned a second place title with a routine that the Morningside cheerleaders choreographed themselves. The cheer girls’ ability to choreograph and perform such a difficult routine shows that this year’s competition team is exceptionally creative and determined to excel at their sport.”

The dance category required each college dance team to perform a 30/30/30 routine composed of three dance styles: jazz, hip hop and Pom. This was the first time the Morningside College Dance Team has competed with this type of routine. When competing with a 30/30/30 combined routine, the entire team needs to excel in all three styles of dance. The team placed 2nd overall, losing to Midland University.  The team competed against Doane, Northwestern, Nebraska Wesleyan, Hastings College, Concordia University, Briar Cliff University, and Midland University.

Eberly also said, “Our goal for the dance competition was to demonstrate an advanced technique level in each of the three styles. Our dancers have been working very hard over the past few months to master each style and be able to perform them consecutively. I am very impressed with the dance team members’ work ethic and passion for dance which is evident when they perform and is reflected in the judges’ scores.”

On February 19th, the dance and cheer team’s co-ed routine will be showcased at the men’s basketball game against Briar Cliff. The dance team will then travel to Minneapolis, Minnesota to perform at Nationals on February 21st. The team will compete in the jazz, pom, and hip-hop divisions. Last year, the team was awarded the Grand Championship in hip-hop.