Alongside the Golden Grizzlies’ basketball team and the pep band, the Oakland University dance team is a huge contribution to the atmosphere at the O’rena.
Kara Schell had been on the dance team for two years. Even though her time on the team was short, the experience has been worth it for Schell.
“This dance team means the world to me. Being a transfer student, my time was limited but I always remind myself to soak in every moment,” Schell said. “I enjoyed everything about this team from practices, to community events and to performing games.”
Schell loves performing on game days. She describes her experience as exhilarating. Schell enjoys dancing because she can heighten the crowd’s energy.
“My favorite thing about game day is interacting with the crowd and giving fans the ‘game day’ experience,” Schill said. “Whether it’s throwing t-shirts, handing out gift certificates, taking photos and dancing with fans.”
Schell’s favorite memory from this season was the last game before the team headed to Indiana for the Horizon League semi-finals.
“The energy in the O’rena was amazing and I will never forget how fun the game was,” Schell said.
Nina Cicerone, a senior who has been on the dance team for 4 years, is enjoying the time she has left with her fellow dancers.
“Being on the dance team for four years has definitely made an impact in my life,” Cicerone said. “I am grateful for the memories we’ve made and everything we have gone through as a team. I’ve watched our team grow and am so proud of everything we have accomplished. Coach Brenna has built the dance team from the ground up and she is the reason why OUDT is what it is today.”
The dance team is proud to be a part of the basketball team’s achievements this season.
“It’s been awesome to watch the OU basketball team on the blacktop and a pleasure to cheer them on from the sideline,” Cicerone said. “You can see the endless hours those guys put into their craft every time they step on the court. The dedication that the team, Coach Kampe, and the entire coaching staff have for the sport is absolutely inspiring.
“Their hard work and perseverance have paid off and they definitely deserved to win the championship and hopefully will continue to have great success during March Madness. Without OU basketball, we would have nowhere to perform. They are the reason the O’rena fills with fans for us to dance for.”
The dance team had the opportunity to travel to Indianapolis for the Horizon League tournament, and it was a fun experience.
“I felt very blessed to have the opportunity to travel with my team to Indy. Traveling to away games is not something we get to experience, so having the privilege to do so was very exciting,” Schell said.
The dance team extends their excitement and wishes to the basketball team as they start dancing in March Madness.
“I am very proud of how hard everyone worked this season. They made it to the top of the Horizon League and I know they have what it takes to make it further into March Madness,” Schill said.
Members of the dance team are excited to watch the Golden Grizzlies play their next game. The dancers hope the Golden Grizzlies play hard and have fun.
“I would tell the basketball team to play strong, have fun and do your best. The Golden Grizzlies community is backing you up and cheering loud. You got this!” Cicerone said.
