The EPHS varsity dance team is a group of students who perform choreography at pep rallies and games. It represents an opportunity for students to express themselves, to make connections with people who have similar interests, and to show school spirit and pride.

Meet The Team

Coach: Gina Gallo-Zivojnovic

Captain: Isabella Wernsing

Manger: Itzel Torres

The Girls: Jaila Camuy, Brianna Gomez, Olivia Marchel, Alexandria Mendoza, Angelina Rivas, Merely Ruiz anuiano, Jocelyn Sanchez, Celeste Vazquez

Fall Season

During the fall season, the EPHS varsity dance team performs at halftime during home football games and provides support on the sidelines throughout the game.

Competition Season

Competition season is when dance starts getting fiery! Dancers enter a more intense phase, practicing for up to six hours a day, pouring hard work, passion, and dedication into every moment. They then showcase their talents as they compete against other schools, giving it their all on the floor.

Personal Interviews

Team Coach: Gina Gallo-Zivojnovic

What advice would you give to your upcoming dancers?

I would tell upcoming dancers who wanted to try out for the dance team to practice technique!  Being on the dance team is not only about loving to dance but also about taking the time to practice technique, whether that be from taking dance lessons at a studio or even learning at home from online videos.  I would also want them to know that although being on the dance team is fun, it’s also a lot of hard work.  Commitment and dedication is a must.

Why did you decide to be a dance coach?

I wanted to be a dance coach because I was once a dancer and I have such an appreciation for it.  I also wanted to help guide young dancers and nurture their appreciation of dance while also building their confidence and making them feel part of a team.

What is your favorite part of being a dance coach?

My favorite part of being a dance coach is seeing the improvements in all of the dancers!  It’s amazing to see how each dancer improves from day one.  I also love our days at competitions. The days are long, but it’s such a great bonding experience and it’s fun to see all the dance routines from other schools.  And, of course, I love spending time with the girls on the team.

What is the most challenging part of being a dance coach?

The most challenging part is making sure that everyone is prepared for performances!

Team Captain: Bella Wernsing

What is the hardest part of creating the choreography for the dance team and having to teach it to the girls?

The hardest part of choreographing the dances is making sure I create a dance that highlights the strengths within the dance team and allows each individual dancer to show off their own strengths at given times within the dance. The hardest thing with having to teach the choreography is having to learn everyone’s part in the dance to be able to teach it to my fullest abilities. Another thing that I find difficult about teaching a dance is making sure my time management is good so we can have the dance nearly perfected by the time of the next game. We had to perfect a dance within three practices and so it tends to be difficult to fit everything into those practices while also being able to learn new choreography and clean the dance.

What is your experience in dancing?

I’ve been dancing at Turning Point Dance Studio ever since I was one years old and I have taken dance classes in the styles ballet, hip-hop, tap, jazz, contemporary, and acro. When I was little I always looked up to my sister who was a dancer as well. I loved the performance days where she would do my hair and makeup and I got to dress up in the glittery costumes. I also loved our bonding moments that we had through dance where we would show each other our dances and new skills we learned. My all time favorite ever since I was little is hip-hop due to the fast upbeat music and dances. My least favorite is probably ballet due to how slow and technical it is. Throughout the years I definitely have fallen more in love with dance since I can express my emotions and who I am through dancing. I honestly don’t know what I would do without dance since it has brought me so much joy and has made such a positive impact throughout my lifetime.

What is your favorite part of being captain of the dance team?

My favorite part of being the dance captain is the ability to train the dancers to become the best dancers they possibly can be. I love the smile on their faces when they learn a new skill or when they just did an amazing run through of the dance. They make dancing so much more enjoyable for me and I love the connections I’ve made with each one of them through dance. Another favorite part of being dance captain is the role model I become for some of the other girls. I love when they talk about the positive impact I have had on them and how they look up to me. It makes me feel like I am doing the right thing and making the right decisions while being dance captain.

Senior Spotlight: Angelina Rivas

Why did you choose dance and how long have you been in dance?

The reason why I chose dance is because it was always an enjoyable thing to do when I was a kid, and I knew it was meant for me. I’ve been on the dance team for a year!

What are your favorite memories from being on the dance team?.

 My favorite memory from being on the dance team is when we get ready together before games and everyone orders Door Dash.

Do you plan on participating in anything else involving dance after graduating?

 I was thinking about trying out for dance in college, but I haven’t made my decision on it yet.