Merge Event Brings Dancers Together During Pandemic

Kumud Arora, Reporter| May 14, 2021

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  • Warrior pride performs their jazz piece at the football field. They danced to the song “I’m legit”. The dance performance was choreographed by Ella Loper and Tori Loper. Photo Courtesy of Emily Smith.

    Emily Smith
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  • Warrior Pride performs their jazz dance ensemble on stage to the song “Do you”. This performance was choreographed by Ms. Gunderdon, Ms. Smith and Diya Kapoor. Photo Courtesy of Emily Smith.

    Emily Smith
    Merge+Event+Brings+Dancers+Together+During+Pandemic
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The annual dance event “The Merge” hosted by Warrior Pride, SunDancers and Cheer was held virtually this year due to COVID-19 restrictions. The dance performances were recorded separately and the link to view the show was sent out at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 7th.

“While it might be disappointing that we couldn’t all perform together in front of a live audience, I’m really glad the directors found a way to showcase our pieces and have a show in a different way.” Warrior Pride dancer Arunima Das ‘23 said.

The event showcased various types of dance styles such as hip-hop, jazz and contemporary and highlighted students from all grades. The students participating were required to follow CDC guidelines to wear masks at all times and maintain social distancing. 

“We didn’t get the opportunity to have a show with the other RRISD teams and a live audience like we would in a normal year,” Das said. “Despite this, we always support each other, cheer each other on and celebrate our accomplishments!” 

Due to the winter storm in February and asynchronous days for STAAR and EOC testing, the dancers’ time for practicing together was cut short. To make up for the lost time, they had to  focus in class and work hard on their own.The show was a huge success despite all of the hardships the dancers had to face this year. It was also the perfect way to say goodbye to all of the seniors who participated. 

“I am so grateful to be a part of this team! [Everyone] is so amazing and supportive,” Das said. “Even though we had fewer performance opportunities, I’m really glad we got to dance together and bond with each other.”