By: Taylor DeCastro
Cortland Dance Company swept the 12th annual Collegiate Dance Invitational on February 15th at Cortland High School despite whether conditions threatening the competition.
In the week leading up to the competition, all of Upstate New York was preparing for the snowstorm of the season with snowfall measurements ranging from 8-12 inches. As a result, a number of teams had to withdraw from the competition and Cortland Dance Company considered cancelling the competition in its entirety.
Initially 7 teams entered the competition and by the day of the competition only 4 teams were still planning on attending. The teams besides Cortland Dance Company were Cortland Kickline, Buffalo State, and Plattsburgh Dance Corps.
Showcasing an array of talent across multiple styles of dance, and captivating the judges, Cortland Dance Company received multiple acknowledgements in special awards, as well as several high scores leading to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd placements and even taking home the highest score of the day.
Going up against nationally ranked competition, Cortland Dance Company danced their way to the top. Leading the team to great victory by serving as the president of the team Sydney Hart reflects on the successful weekend.
“I am incredibly proud of our team for their dedication and hard work in both hosting such a large event and competing in it despite minor issues regarding the weather,” said Sydney Hart.
“Despite this, we adapted seamlessly and demonstrated resilience in the face of unexpected challenges. Every team showcased impressive and highly competitive routines, making for an outstanding event.”
Among the dancers competing there was one dancer who stood out the most as she not only won first place but also walked home with the highest score of the day.
“It honestly felt surreal, like I couldn’t stop shaking!” said company member Jaquelyn Cervini. Cervini’s group dance “The Chain” scored a 263 out of 300.
“For the finished product to do as well as it did, I can only describe the feeling as euphoric”, said Cervini. “I definitely pushed myself as well as the girls in my group out of our comfort zones and I’m just so proud of each and every one of them.”
Some additional first place victories that Cortland Dance Company brought home were for Hip Hop choreographed by sophomore Leanna Jackson, Tap choreographed by senior Brooke Bregman and sophomore Jessica Kam, and the Solo Duo category in which member Clara Jordan took first place with her solo titled “Cellophane”.
With such a successful first competition, this is just the beginning for Cortland Dance Company. On March 29 the company will be traveling to Marist University to compete at the first ever Marist Intercollegiate Classic.
At the intercollegiate classic the team will bring all of the same numbers that they competed at the invitational and additionally adding a number of solos and duos.
“I am so excited for all of us to travel as a team and have team bonding time while we are there,” said sophomore Makayla Bell.
Bell has been a member of Cortland Dance Company’s Competition team since her freshman year and her number “I’m Good” that she choreographed alongside Vice President Taylor DeCastro placed third in the jazz category.
When it comes to the impact that this team has had on her Bell explained “It was one of the best decisions joining the team. I have met some of my best friends on this team and I’m forever grateful for them.”
“CDC is more than just a team to me—it feels like a part of who I am,” Hart said.
“Beyond the dancing, this team has given me the incredible gift of lifelong friendships. Practicing every day alongside my best friend is an experience I cherish, and I can’t imagine my time at SUNY Cortland without this team.”
After their final competition at Marist University, Cortland Dance Company will perform for the last time of the semester at their annual showcase being held on April 26 at Cortland High School, where they will put on a New York City themed recital called “A CDC State of Mind”. This event is open to the public with an entry fee of 5 dollars.
