“
I’m not here
to make
a profit.
I want to
have a place
for boys and
girls
to dance
and
feel safe
”
and happy.
events. The community outreach and
fundraising efforts go hand-in-hand,
Schilling says.
The competitive season began in October
and will end in May. The Royalty Dance
Team will compete at events in Pittsburgh,
Erie and Ohio this year. The dancers will be
judged on their costumes, execution and
technique. The dancers select their own
outfits and also pick the dance moves they
want to use during a solo or duet.
“If they see something they like, we do our
best to incorporate it,” Schilling says. “I want
to make sure each dancer has a voice and
that everyone feels included.”
Team members generally prefer hip-hopinspired dance routines and costumes but
also incorporate jazz elements when they
perform at Christmas-themed parades
and events.
The Royalty Dance Team practices every
week at the Three Lakes Golf Course, and
members work hard to improve their agility
and stamina. Competitive dance offers a
number of benefits, including improved
physical fitness and leadership experience.
Competitive dance also encourages
teamwork and instills a strong work ethic,
Schilling adds.
“As long as you give me 100 percent, we’ll
get you to where you need to be,” she says.
“You have to work hard. It’s not just given
to you.”
Over the summer, Schilling will host an
intensive summer training program to help
returning members and new recruits prepare
for next season. The team will organize a
camp for younger girls as well. Schilling also
offers beginner, intermediate and advanced
gymnastics classes.
She hopes the Royalty Dance Team will
continue to grow. Although all the current
members are girls, Schilling says boys are
welcome to join as well: “We’ll accept
whoever wants to dance.” n
Penn Hills | Winter 2016 | icmags.com 21