The Aliso Niguel dance team and boys soccer team joined together in their performance, Dancing with the Soccer Stars, on Wednesday, Jan. 31 in the school’s theater. For its first-ever production at Aliso, the event was an incredible success and an opportunity for both groups to raise funds for their programs.
The idea for the collaboration was initiated by one of the boy’s soccer coaches who reached out to the dance team. The concept was instantly adored by Mrs. Desiano, the coach of the dance team, and the two programs sparked the exciting partnership.
The dancers and soccer stars began preparing for the performance after they returned from winter break, giving them a little over three weeks to perfect their routines. The groups got together during Wolverine+ to learn the numbers and practice them as a team.
The event started at 6 p.m. when host and Aliso dance coach, Rona Shahabi, introduced the program and the panel of judges. The judges for the night were Assistant Principal Mrs. Puccinelli, former Aliso dancer Caitlin Brophy and beloved proctor Keith Long. The judges offered praises and other takeaways after each team’s performance.
When asked her favorite part of being a judge, Mrs. Puccinelli responded, “Because I was up close and personal, we’re so close to it, we can really see the expressions on the kids’ faces and it was so fun to watch.”
In total, the dancers and soccer players combined to create eight teams to participate in the fundraiser.
Team one kicked off the night with their performance, the Rihanna Mashup: POM. The group was made up of Enric Barile (12), Grant Snyder (12), Takudzwa Kajese (10), Natalie Sisman (12) and Emma McDonnell (9). They stepped up and brought the energy with their skilled coordination with the POMs, cartwheels and an in-sync heel-click move by the boys.
Varsity player Grant Snyder reflected on his emotions while performing, stating, “I was really excited, I really didn’t feel that many nerves cause it’s kind of like a free-for-all, no expectations.”
Team two followed up with their number, the Latin Mix. The team’s members included Noe Sanchez (10), Liam Yagiz (11), Kaitlin Hagan (12) and Caitlin Regan (9). The pairs showed off with fashionable red outfits and floral arrangements for the boys. Despite a few rough starts and stumbles, the group brought their A-game and left it out on the dance floor.
Team three was the 80’s Mix performed by Sean Bruner (9), Asher Chauncey (9), Mia Ross (11) and Amanda Dadson (9).
The group was decked out in both pajama onesies and stereotypical eighties costumes. The boys put in their all, matching the energy of their dance co-stars with their impressive twists and turns to classic songs like “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go.”
Team four, made up of Gianni Akil (10), Arman Ross Angha (10), Ellie Bowles (11) and Allison Hinsvark (9), performed the Britney Spears Mix. The talented team made use of chairs as props, skillfully balancing on them as a part of their Spears’ number. The highlight of the group’s number was their coordinated body rolls and head twists.
Team five performed a number called Young and Beautiful: Ballet. The team was comprised of Jacob Schmidt (10), Griffin Stowe (11), Jayzelle Jahanzeb (11) and Lilian Smith (9).
By far the most emotional, the group put their entire hearts into the performance of Lana Del Rey’s angelic song, “Young and Beautiful.” One of the most skilled teams, the dancers and soccer players amazed the audience with their leaps, pirouettes, pliés and floor rolls.
For a little throwback moment, Chase Seager (11), Jackson Geiger (12), Sebastian Ugarte-Capel (12), Madelyn Pelle (12) and Celeste Cohen (9) on team six performed their routine OG 2000: HipHop. The number had one of the best music mashups of the night, featuring “Yeah!” by Usher, “Crank That (Soulja Boy)” by Soulja Boy and “Gangnam Style” by PSY.
The group turned up the heat with their hip-hop moves and high energy during “Gangnam Style,” ending their performance with their shades on.
Longtime dance member Madelyn Pelle shared her positive experience with the partnership with the boys, stating, “They’ve actually been really nice, they seem excited about it, and they put effort into it.”
Team seven members Luke Simpson (12), Tyler Queen (12), Samantha Smith (12) and Morgan Businger (12) brought the heat with their ABBA Mix.
The team was dressed to impress with metallic tops and shiny pants, channeling their 70s energy into the dance. Smiling the entire time, they laid it all on the line, incorporating the classic moves from “Mama Mia!” during “Lay All Your Love on Me.”
Last but not least, team eight, made up of Brandon Fraser (12), Ryan Hubbard (12), Dana Smith (12) and Gabrielle Mugiya (9), performed an impressive Pitbull Mashup to wow the crowd.
Decked out in sequined blazers, the group proved they put in the work with their impressive coordination, especially with their synchronized kicks.
Prior to the performance, varsity team member Brandon Fraser shared his anticipation for the show, claiming, “I’m excited to win the trophy and get lots of votes.”
After all the performances, the audience was given a quick 15-minute intermission to praise the dancers and cast their votes for the winner. Each vote cost $1 and could be paid either in cash or through Venmo.
After intermission, the crowd was given three final performances, two solos by Madelyn Pelle and Dana Smith and a large group dance from Dance Appreciation.
After they finished, the long-anticipated winners were announced by Mrs. Desiano. Team eight, the Pitbull Mashup, came in third place, team five’s Young and Beautiful: Ballet took second place and team seven’s ABBA Mix brought home first place.
