Dance dynamics at Cherry Hill West
Almost a decade ago, some members of the staff at Cherry Hill West wanted to start a competitive dance team, but it never got off the ground.
Soon after, Shelby Smith took a job teaching dance physical education at the high school. Some students approached her then about leading a dance team, and seven years later, the rest is history.
Her crew of 50-plus students, mostly girls and two boys, spends most of the year putting in long hours, poring over routines time and time again until dancers can perform in their sleep.
Some of the senior members of the squad begin practicing in October, but the real season doesn’t begin until November.
The dance season is capped off by a recital in late April.
The team typically practices from 2:30 to 5 p.m. every day unless there is a basketball game to dance at, in which case, the squad rehearses after the game or before classes begin the next morning and even on Saturday mornings, as well.
Smith said the team competes in about five large competitions per year, including regional competitions in North Jersey.
The team also competes in state championships in late February and is planning to take a trip down the coast to Myrtle Beach, S.C., in late March for nationals.
But for Smith, the hard work all pays off in the end.
“I love the kids. It gives me a chance to feel young and definitely keeps me on my toes,” Smith said.
You can catch the team on the sidelines of Lions’ basketball games, but the squad has more to offer than just a regular crowd-pleasing dance number.
Glittery, show stopping costumes.
Layers of makeup.
Accessories a-plenty.
These students don’t just dance to the latest Katy Perry hit.
“Each year, we try to think outside the box,” Smith said.
Hitting the competitive circuit this season, the team proudly boasts two unique routines.
Dressed in blue spaced-aged animal costumes and face paint, 14 girls perform in a jazz number to music from the movie Avatar.
The hip-hop routine, performed by 16 of the girls, includes red glittery bowties and revamped ruby slippers, possibly inspired by 1940s Dorothy from the “Wizard of Oz.”
The girls are also dressed as mimes, complete with striped shirts, black leggings, white face paint and red lips.
The team is looking to continue its success this season with its unique numbers. And they’re also hoping for a little something more, as well.
Another staff member at the school pointed Smith to a competition the team could enter.
Smith, and more than 100 coaches across the country, submitted an application and video to Ovation’s One Dance, One Chance Competition.
The field was narrowed down to 25 and opened to the public for a vote on who has what it takes to be named the best dance team in the country.
The West team is awaiting the results to see whether it has been named the viewer’s choice award winner, the grand prize winner — or one of the four finalists.
Smith said she is proud of her dedicated students.
In recent years, she’s even watched past students go on to dance at the University of Maryland on a full-ride, at West Chester University and one to
the Philadelphia Soul’s dance team.
“At first, it started more fun,” Smith said. “Now people are interested in making this a long-term part of their career.”
