Monday, December 2, 2024
A pair of South Side High School students are rallying to establish a varsity dance team as an officially recognized sport. Kiera Gunn and Anneliese Pecchioni, both members of the school’s existing dance club, presented the proposal at the Rockville Centre Board of Education meeting on Nov. 7, emphasizing the benefits a dance team could provide to the school and students.
“Today we stand before you filled with excitement and hope as we embark on a journey that has long been envisioned by many South Side Cyclones students,” Gunn said. “I am honored to discuss our proposal to officially establish a varsity dance team as a recognized sport at South Side High School.”
Pecchioni, a sophomore at South Side, said the dedication and perseverance of past students who have unsuccessfully tried to establish a dance team in previous years, laid a strong foundation for what they hoped to achieve.
“This dream has been nurtured by dedicated past students who have tried tirelessly to bring in a dance team as an official school sport,” Pecchioni said. “We are proud to say that we took this dream one step further by securing approval for a club under the guidance of our advisors and our supportive athletic department and Board of Education.”
Gunn, a junior at South Side, said the timing seems right as student interest in a team has grown substantially in recent months. The dance club has grown from only 15 dancers at the start of the year, and following a well-received performance at homecoming, has nearly doubled to 27.
“This presents us with an incredible opportunity, not just for those who already love dance, but also for those who wish to explore it further,” Gunn said. “A formal varsity team will provide these young individuals with exposure, not only to team dynamics and athletic training, but also to valued life skills such as discipline, commitment, and creativity.”
The varsity team, Pecchioni explained, would provide students with academic and social benefits as well. She described how dance promotes teamwork through choreography, establishes confidence, instills a solid work ethic, and helps build a deeper appreciation of cultural diversity through various styles of dance — from hip-hop to jazz.
Several schools across Long Island have competitive varsity kick line teams, including Mepham High School in Bellmore, Floral Park Memorial High School, Syosset High School, Garden City High School and Huntington High School.
“These experiences lay crucial groundwork for those who aspire to pursue collegiate-level teams,” Pecchioni said.
Gunn and Pecchioni said they have put considerable effort into making their vision a reality. Over the past two years they researched dance programs from other high schools and colleges, connected with dance mentors, and gathered support from other students who wanted more extracurricular activities.
“Will you support our vision? Will you help us turn dreams into reality?” Gunn asked the board, emphasizing their determination. “Let’s unite as one community and take this leap forward into something extraordinary.”
Pecchioni added that forming a varsity dance team would “create a space where every student feels empowered through movement and celebrate the sport, we call dance.”
School Board President Kelly Barry commended Gunn and Pecchioni for their passion, noting that several board members attended homecoming and were impressed by the group’s performance.
“Thank you for advocating for something that you’re so passionate about,” Barry said. “A few of us were at homecoming, and we loved watching your dance. It was awesome.”
Superintendent Matt Gaven explained that establishing a varsity team requires thorough review and planning.
He suggested that the athletic department investigate logistical and budgetary factors, competition opportunities, and the appeal of a varsity dance team to the student body. He underscored the importance of understanding how a varsity dance team would integrate into the broader athletic program and school budget.
“We want to be sure that if we proceed, it’s with a full understanding of the costs and the benefits for our students,” Gaven said. “The board will ‘explore and continue to talk’ about the proposal.”
While the district did not make an immediate decision on the proposal, Gaven assured the students and other supporters that the administration will continue collaborating with them and their advisors to assess the team’s viability.
The students left the meeting hopeful that their proposal marked a meaningful step toward realizing a varsity dance team at South Side High School.
