By Steve Bigham

NEW YORK CITY, New York – The Markettes are always on a pretty big stage when they perform during halftime of a Newtown High School basketball or football game, but for the second year in a row they performed on the biggest stage of ‘em all – Madison Square Garden in New York City.

The Markettes traveled to the Big Apple on Sunday, February 25 to perform in front of 19,763 people during halftime of the National Basketball Association game between the New York Knicks and Sacramento Kings.

While guys like Chris Webber and Jayson Williams of the Kings spent halftime figuring out how to hold on to their 51-47 lead in the nationally-televised game, the 11 Markettes and five performers from Dance Etc. of Newtown joined the Knick City Dancers and a dance group from New Jersey on the world-famous Garden floor.

They danced to Run DMC’s version of the Aerosmith song, “Walk This Way.”

It was the second-straight appearance at MSG for the Markettes, who wowed the crowd with their silky smooth moves and big smiles. They were chosen once again to perform after winning a contest held at the Knick City Dancers camp this past summer.

“There were a ton of people from Newtown there. More than last year,” recalled co-captain Caitlin DeCosta this week. “I think there were less butterflies this year because we performed there last year.”

The Newtown squad traveled to New York the day before the game and spent five hours rehearsing that first night. They returned to the court the next day at 7 am and rehearsed until 9:30 am. After that, they left the court open from Latrell Sprewell, Allan Houston and the rest of the Knicks, who kindly gave way to the Marketees at halftime.

“It was an awesome experience. A bunch of people told me they saw us on TV,” noted co-captain Christina Cinicolo.

The Markettes perform their impressive dance routines regularly during halftime of home football and basketball games. All the dancers that made the trip to New York City included Katherine McDonald, Kristin Rocca, Samantha Davies, Caroline Engel, Vanessa Canatta, Sara Klopfenstein, Monica Latowicki, Erin Beckman, Christina Cinicola, Amanda Canatta, Emily Cienawa, Becky McCullough, Amy Fazekas, Katie Berliner, Cheryl Orrico, and Caitlin DeCosta.