By JENIBELLE HSU
STAFF WRITER
Wilson Dance Company kicked off its competitive season at the annual West Covina Showdown at West Covina HS on Jan. 20.
During the competition, the company showcased four dance routines, ranging from x-small (extra small) contemporary, to small all male, to small jazz and large jazz. Out of six teams, the x-small contemporary team placed second.
According to varsity captain senior Jean Hsu, the showdown revealed the team’s strengths and weaknesses, preparing them for future competitions
“When we placed in x-small, we were very surprised and happy,” Hsu said. “We will take the judges’ comments [to fix] the mistakes that we [missed] for the other routines we were close to placing in.”
Junior Lei Wang stresses the importance of a tight-knitted team for the company’s success.
“We can improve on team bond, because when you are competing, you are not only dancing for yourself, but for your team [as well]. [The bond] motivates [us] to perform our best,” Wang said.
The team developed and practiced their routines for the competition since November. However, the dance team received a new coach after the school year started, delaying practices and the competitive season.
Despite the setback, All-Male co-captain senior Alvin Nguyen says the team’s first performance exceeded expectations.
“I am really excited for the competitive season, [because we can] build the camaraderie with the same group of guys,” Nguyen said. “[At the West Covina Showdown, we displayed] the skeleton of what we can do, and [now], we will take it to the top.”
Wilson Dance Company will compete at West Coast Elite (WCE) Regional Competition at Esperanza High School on Feb. 10.
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