At home football games, the Pacer Dance Team has spent the last couple of months shining.
Even though PDT’s role in the football season is slowing down, their season is far from over. Over the long weekend of Nov. 9 to the 11, the dance team practiced for 17 hours perfecting choreography and learning an entirely new routine.
“The hardest part about long practices and learning choreography isn’t the physical toll, it’s the mental work,” said junior Bina Swanson Blaker. “Learning an entire routine in three days is hard and not something most people can do.”
PDT prides itself on having a strong team community that is inclusive to students of all ages on the team.
“We get ready after every single morning practice and hangout during the weekends together,” said junior Ema Okusada. “We also have [sisterly roles] that make the connection between everyone so strong. We’re a unique team because we’re all super close.”
Okusada explained that the team’s focus on bonding and friendship make their performances stronger because it establishes trust and safety within the team.
The team earned second place competing in contemporary dance on Nov. 16 at Clackamas High School.
Where to catch PDT next? They’ll make occasional appearances at basketball games, and their upcoming halftime show performance at the Blazers game on Dec. 26. Links to purchase tickets to the game are on the PDT Instagram bio.