The Point Loma Nazarene University dance team has grown into a dynamic group, offering a space for dancers of all skill levels to come together, support one another and perform. Founded with a vision of creating a team for intermediate-level dancers, team members said they are passionate about building a positive environment where all dancers can thrive.
Carmel Pungi, Christy Canton, Mia Andreski, Anna Mcneil, Emmerson Feola and Grace Martin were inspired to create the dance team when they discovered that PLNU didn’t have one. The second-years cultivated a team focused on different styles, including jazz, lyrical, hip hop, and pom.
They host choreography nights, practice two to three days a week and put on performances. Some of their most notable performances have included PLNU’s Cider Celebration and halftime dances at the men’s basketball games.
Pungi, a second-year sociology major and president of the dance team, said the team’s dynamic is one of mutual support. Dancers are encouraged to help each other with choreography or learning new moves.
“Everyone’s very supportive and cheers each other on,” Pungi said. “We try to push each other to be our best selves.”
Andreski, a second-year accounting major and the team’s social media manager, highlights the importance of creating a dance community that embraces students from all dance backgrounds.
“We have a very inclusive and welcoming culture,” she said. “We motivate each other from the start.”
Canton, a second-year psychology major and team captain, said that dance culture can sometimes feel judgmental, which can discourage dancers from embracing their passion for dance.
“We focus on making it [the team] a very fun space and very welcoming,” she said. “Even though I have the label of being a leader, I’m on the same level as you. There is no superior or inferior; we’re all equals. Everyone has a voice; everyone says their opinions and everyone contributes to the team.”
One of the team’s biggest obstacles has been securing funding and getting the team noticed, Pungi said.
“There are so many steps and rules we have to follow as a club, and being short on funding also makes it hard to accomplish the goals we want,” she said, referring to the goals the team has planned for future performances.
Despite these difficulties, the team navigates them by encouraging one another and working through problems together, Canton said.
“The fact that we were cooperative with each other and open with each other really made a huge difference,” she said.
One of the team’s proudest accomplishments was performing at PLNU’s Cider Celebration, where the team danced “for joy rather than the judgment of others,” Pungi said.
They are also proud of their first men’s basketball game halftime performance, where they were recognized and congratulated by onlookers.
“We didn’t do this for the recognition, but when people come up to you, it’s like, ‘Whoa, thanks.’ So that’s really cool,” Canton said.
Andreski said that the team is gaining more recognition, with nearby high schools reaching out to them to offer dance classes. On March 2, the team hosted a free dance clinic in the PLNU gym, inviting others to join them. They will be showcasing their talent in a recital and fundraiser on April 11 at 6:30 p.m. and April 12 at 2:30 p.m. To stay updated, follow their Instagram: @plnu.dance.
Cade Michaelson