This year we have seen numerous changes to daily life. One of the large changes we have seen is in the sports world. I interviewed Julia Rosenberger of the CLC Varsity Dance Team and asked for her thoughts on the team’s remote season. Here is what she had to say:

Q: How was this season being remote?

A: This season was very challenging being remote. Having it as my senior season, it was heartbreaking. We started our season back in June with fully remote hour-long practices. We moved back into typical practices at the end of July, and things started to feel like they were getting back to normal. In August, we were at a halt again due to Covid-19. We went back after a few weeks, but the season was filled with uncertainty. We got an email in January saying that we definitely had a season, one month before State. After January, we went back in full swing and even made it to the IHSA State Tournament. 

Q: What did a remote tournament look like?

A: Usually we would film our dance on Tuesdays or Wednesdays and submit our final video by Thursday night. On Saturday mornings or Sunday afternoons, we would go to the school library as a team to watch our virtual competition. During competition days, we would hang out as a team and that was considered our team bonding. During competitions, we would sit and wait for the results, which were usually given out on Instagram Live at the host schools. 

Q: How do you feel you have grown as a dancer/person this year?

A: As a dancer, I would say that I have become more focused and determined, especially because I knew that I didn’t have much time left on the CLCVDT. As a person, I feel like I have been valuing work ethic more, and I have never taken the time that I spend with my team for granted. 

Q: How was having the IHSA State Tournament remote?

A: In my mind, it was more difficult. We would watch our videos back and critique them. It was also difficult because we couldn’t perform on the State floor. Last year we had the opportunity, and it was an amazing experience. We tried our hardest to make the best out of our season while in this situation. On the day of the State Tournament, everyone met and decorated cars, and when we got to school, we had a parade for our parents before the tournament viewing. It was a different experience, but there was nothing that I would have changed about it. 

Q: Is there anything you would like to say to your team/coaches one last time?

A: I would just like to say thank you so much for the past 3 years. This has been an incredible experience and I’m so thankful for this team and the memories that we all share. I have learned how to work with a team and help bring each other up, rather than dancing solo, like I used to. I will forever hold these memories close to my heart. I love you guys and thank you so much for everything that this team has done for me.