Newtown High School’s dance squad is both looking to pick up where it left off and shake off some disappointment of a year ago. South-West Conference and state champions in 2020, the dancers did not get a chance to compete for titles in the coronavirus-altered 2020-21 campaign and are looking to return to/stay at the top.

“As reigning SWC and State champions, we put extra pressure on ourselves to stay there,” Newtown Coach Cheryl Stenz said.

“We did compete in one virtual competition last year with several schools in Connecticut. It was better than nothing but to say we are excited for regular competitions is an understatement,” Stenz added. “We can’t wait to showcase new routines and are also looking forward to seeing all the other teams perform.”

The dance team performed at halftime of football games and practiced throughout the fall. The girls will show their moves during basketball games this winter. The SWC championships are scheduled for February 8 and States are February 26.

Newtown welcomes back hip hop choreographer Chris Lupus who was not with the team last year due to the tweaked season. Emily Marks, who has done the team’s jazz choreography for several years, returns and is now an assistant coach as well.

“Working together on conditioning and technique really enhances our performances,” Stenz said.

As part of the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) winter sports guidance plan, following the holiday break, masks will not be required for fully vaccinated dancers during competitive routines and “should not be used during stunting/tumbling.” Masks will be required for partially and unvaccinated dancers but may be temporarily removed for stunting and tumbling.

“We have been practicing in masks since last year. Hopefully the CIAC guidance that allows athletes to compete maskless will hold true for dance. A huge part of a dance routine is shown through expressions and smiles,” Stenz noted.

Newtown is led by captains Audrey Botta, Emily Dunford, Caroline Hancock, and Kyra Masone.

“A few other great performers to look forward to: seniors Ericka Pontore and Sammy Kuruc as well as some of our awesome younger dancers, junior Adriana Russo, Sara Olam, and Mackenzie Roszman,” Stenz said.