The Wheeling Park High School Dance team has long been a source of pride and excitement for the school and the local community. Known for their incredible talent, dedication, and vibrant performances, the team has consistently wowed audiences at various events and competitions.
The WPHS dance team is composed of a group of passionate and hardworking students who dedicate countless hours to perfecting their routines. Coached by Stefanie Maroney and her daughter Jenna Davis, the team is pushed to their full potential each and every day.
Stefanie Maroney, reflecting on her experience, said, “What I love about coaching is the opportunity to meet amazing young women I otherwise would never have the chance to know and guiding them on having fun and being successful doing something they love.”
Whether it’s at a school pep rally, a football game,or a halftime show, The team’s choreography often blends various dance styles. Most dances include elements of jazz, hip-hop, kick, and pom, showcasing their versatility and creativity .In addition to their impressive performances, the WPHS dance team is also very involved in their community They’ve performed at Elmhurst- The House of Friendship-, and have also hosted dance camps and car washes.
“I love being able to showcase our talent and show the crowd how much ability my team has. I love entertaining a crowd that is excited to watch what we have been working on. I think games are so fun and I love being a part of the school spirit,” said Kinley Wells, a freshman on the team.
But most importantly, the team competes in competitions around the area and down in Florida. From starting at NDA Camp, where they got their bid to nationals, these girls have worked so hard to get to where they are. Recently they competed at the Seton Hall Invitational, where they received 3rd in the Jazz Divison, and 1st in the Team Performance Divison. Then they hosted their annual WPHS Winter Dance Invitational, where they also received runner-up in the Jazz Division and 1st place in the team division.The team will then travel down to Florida next week to compete in the NDA High School National Competition, the biggest competition of the year.
“I think the difference between competing and performing at games are the level of difficulty. At competitions, it is a whole other aspect and dance becomes harder. You are held at such a high expectation on competition days and your nerves take over,” said Kaylee Stout, a senior member of the team.
But the team says one of the key factors behind their success is their bond with each other. This bond has been strengthened through countless hours of practice, shared challenges, and the unwavering support they provide one another. They believe that their close-knit relationships and sense of unity enable them to perform at their best, both in practice and during competitions.
“I believe my teams bond affects my performance level because when we all get along, we can connect through our movement in our routines. having a good bond as a dance team is really important on and off the stage. With a good bond, we have better communication, we are more vulnerable with each other, and we have stronger trust. This year’s team has one of the greatest bonds and we love each other outside of dance team. Our connection is super strong and I think it is one of our greatest gifts, especially for our routines!” said Stout.
Adding onto this, Coach Stefanie also said, “The most rewarding thing about coaching is seeing our team be proud of something they have done together whether it be community service or a game performance. Teamwork is truly what matters.”
Overall, the WPHS dance team is a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, passion, and teamwork. Their performances continue to inspire and entertain, making them an amazing part of the Wheeling Park High School spirit.
