For Emily Zrodlowski PNW is all about dancing.
“I really like the dance team … and it’s something that’s obtainable,” she said.
The sophomore Psychology major has been dancing for 17 years. This will be her second season on the university’s dance team. Last year, her teammates elected the then-freshman a team co-captain.
It was a breakthrough year for the team because, for the first time, it performed for a broader audience at the Student Athlete Advisory Committee Talent Show. Though PNW dancers traditionally only perform at a few basketball games, the talent show attracted a broader audience.
“I think [it] really catapulted the dance team, because … students actually saw us perform,” said Zrodlowski. “No one really comes to [watch us at] the basketball games.”
With more eyes on them this year, the group is focused on building the program.
“The dance team over the past year has gotten way more recognition, which is always better because it promotes … a higher level team, which will put Purdue Northwest more on the map,” she said.
The team practices in the Hammond Fitness and Recreation Center building, in a room with several mirrors and light brown wood flooring.
“We practice sidelines, timeouts, starting five, the National Anthem, halftime performances and then — soon to come — competition dances,” said Zrodlowksi.
The dance routines include jazz, pom and hip hop.
“We work on a lot of technique, and we do conditioning there as well,” she said.
Not only does the dance team work on cardio and building their stamina, but also lifting weights is becoming required.
“We will be lifting weights once a week,” said Zrodlowski.
While the team kicks off their season, Zrodlowkski is planning to choreograph a dance for the season.
“I’m hoping to come up with a sassy jazz routine, something that might not be skill-packed, but is more like personality,” she said.
As the team strives to improve its performance, Zrodlowski looks forward to learning more.
“I always like learning new choreography, especially hip hop because it’s not something I had … done before going into college,” said Zrodlowski.
