WILLIMANTIC – When Ruth Wolferseder moved on from Newtown High School to Eastern Connecticut State University, she took her love of dance with her and now serves as vice-president of the ECSU Dance Team.

The 11-member ECSU team – which performs at men’s and women’s basketball games as well as various campus functions – performs high energy, technical, fast-moving, competitive, hip-hp/jazz style dances. Besides receiving first place at a pair of competitions, the ECSU team has been accepted to competed at the NCAA National Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championships in Daytona Beach, Florida.

“We are very excited about the Nationals,” said Wolferseder. “Our team takes pride in what we do and works hard to be the best we possibly can.”

The dance team started in 1996 with only a few members, but has steadily grown since then. Their performances at games and various campus functions have served to show students, faculty, administrators, parents and supporters what the team is all about and how well it has improved in a very short time.

The team finished first at competitions at the University of Massachusetts in Boston and the Reggie Lewis Center, also in Boston. A few months ago, the team sent a tape for the judges at the NCAA national dance/cheer competitions and have been accepted to compete.

“Covering the cost of the trip,” said Wolferseder, “has proved to be very difficult.”

ECSU has decided to fund half of the trip. Members of the team are required to pay for the other half.

“We have tried to raise funds for this trip and our equipment,” she added, “but the cost is still very high. Our trip is only a few weeks away and we still have a lot of money to raise.”

That’s why the dance team has developed an Adopt-a-Dancer program. A donation of $25 or more would get you a picture of the team, in a frame, with team information underneath. To make a donation, call 1-860-465-3641.