Over the spring and summer months, a major construction project at CDH was in the works. The project was completed at the start of this school year, benefitting the CDH community right off the bat. New to CDH this year; renovated locker rooms, a multi-purpose room serving the dance team and JROTC, an updated wrestling room, and three meeting rooms. One of the spaces in particular has been a huge upgrade to the dance team: the multipurpose room right next to the auxiliary gym. Prior to the construction of this space, the dance team had been practicing in the fitness center and weight room. Practices in the fitness center often occurred when other sports teams were working out, causing the dancers to be distracted.
Penelope Deignan, a senior at CDH, is a long time member of the dance team. She joined the team at the end of her 8th grade year. This year is Deignan’s second year serving as varsity captain. Deignan describes the experience of having dance practices in the fitness center as loud and disruptive. Other teams’ workout sessions often overlapped with dance practice, and the additional noise made it difficult for the dancers to focus.
“It was so loud, we could never hear our music. We were a distraction to the other teams working out and they were a distraction to us. It was totally a different environment.”
In the spring of last year when construction plans included a brand new separate space for dancers, the team was ecstatic. The team has wanted its own space for a long time so it was great to finally use it to learn a new dance.
“We were so excited. We felt more valued as female athletes within the school.”
Since the construction project was completed at the start of this school year, the dancers have enjoyed their brand new dance studio. Not only has the space been used for practices, but dancers often spend time in the space before practice, building a strong sense of community within the team.
“We have a space that we can call our home. After school before practice, we all hang out and talk. It’s good to have a space where we can connect not only on a dancing level, but also on a friendship level.”
The focus level of the team has gone up significantly. Without constant distractions during practice, the dance team is able to learn and retain choreography much faster than ever before.
“I’ve had a much easier time learning choreography than I ever have in the past. The choreo team only spent two days on the JV choreography when it would usually take over a week.”
CDH continues to renovate and expand its resources and facilities, in order to best fit the needs of today’s students.
