Adrenaline spikes as the Logansport Berries prepare for victory. The stadium cheers them on as they rival anyone who can stand the challenge. All eyes are on the players as they tackle each other and run back and forth. However, the performance isn’t just down to the players. On the courtside, putting on a show are the cheerleaders, the Logansport Pep Band, and one can’t forget the Logansport Dance Team.

“I’ve always done it,” Captain Elizabeth Foster said. “When I moved here, I decided to join since I was on the team at my old school. It’s always been a part of my life, and it’s always been an amazing way to express myself and reflect on my emotions.” 

To many on the team, Dance isn’t just a sport. 

“We have competed in the past, and we enter virtual competitions,” dance coach Sarah Wilson said. “This year, our focus is on performances and continuing to improve our technical aspects as a team.”

While competitions won’t be the focal point, the Dance Team is busy. 

“Showcase is something that allows all of us to shine individually,” Foster said. “That’s when we do our solos, and to show our community what we have worked on for the year. Overall, the goal of dance is to express emotions that can’t be put into words or are hard to express. It’s also a great way to have fun and to entertain. It’s just like any other art; it can be used to convey and bring out any emotions.”

According to Wilson, dance is much more than just art.

“It’s beneficial for physical, mental and emotional health,” Wilson said. “Dance can also create a community, no matter the differences between the dancers. It is an activity shared across a variety of cultures, and you don’t need to use verbal language to communicate. The sense of connection created through dance is something every dancer can relate to.”

To senior Bella Walker, dance has transformed her life

“I got involved with dance at the beginning of my sophomore year when one of my friends convinced me to try out with her,” Walker said. “In the beginning, I wasn’t planning on taking it that seriously, but then I discovered how much I truly love it. Now dance is a huge part of my life and I’m not sure where I’d be without it.” 

To Foster, dance encompasses many things, and when all put together, makes for an amazing display—a valuable bond. 

“Without dance, I don’t think I would be doing all the other things I do,” Foster said. “Because dance is what I look forward to, and it keeps me going.”