Batavia HS dance teams chosen

On May 20, the 2011-12 Batavia High School varsity and junior varsity dance teams were announced. These teams perform at football and basketball games, dance competitions and other school and community events.

The varsity team has 17 members, with nine returning dancers. The varsity members include: senior captains Amber Steffen and Emily Yorke; freshman team manager Ali Flatley; seniors Andrea Heinz, Meagan Reinecke, Lauren Slome and Ashley Whiting; juniors Kalah Anderson, Marissa Bode, Claire Carlson, Chandler Hrack, Sona Kaul and Abby Wilson; sophomores Michelle Jones, Samantha Spengler and Amber Tousana; and freshman Caitlin Smith. The varsity team is coached by Angie Fuqua.

The junior varsity team has 19 members, including: freshman Sarah Clouser as team manager; juniors Melody Byrum-Ramberg, Chanelle Gibson and Celia Kaiser; sophomores Riley Balogh, Lucy Hilliard, Gabrielle Isom, Danielle Smarto, Amber Strandlund and Savanna Unterberg; and freshmen Julia Bala, Sarah Jacobson, Allison Hartmann, Ryanne Marks, Cassie Mirski, Katelyn Phllips, Julia Shankland, Melanie Steffen, and Emily Strittmatter. This will be Rebecca Bombard’s fourth year as coach of the JV team.

These teams have already started working on routines they will perform at the UDA Summer Camp at Wheaton College July 12-15.

In addition to dancing, the Batavia dance teams work all season with fundraising events and local philanthropy. Some fundraisers, which help offset team expenses, include birthday parties, car washes, Bulldog Pom/Dance Camp, and candy and pastry sales.

Community efforts include Relay For Life, Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry, United Way, the annual Kick-a-thon, which supports the Reach for the Moon Foundation, and Books vs. Badges fundraiser.

For details, visit bataviadanceteam.org.