the 2016 uda nati
“The experience is
unlike any other—to be
competitive, successful
and part of something
so big. It’s life changing
for all involved and
the dancers, coaches,
parents and fans alike
are proud to wear
their Peters Township
colors and represent the
community as part
of a national venue.”
Dominique Deliere Schuster,
PT Varsity Dance Team Coach
BOOSTERS
PTDT has a Booster Program that acts as
huge support system for the groups as
well as assists team members in their
fundraising efforts. Throughout the year,
the team holds events like car washes and
Purse Bingo, and also received support
from the local Chipotle and many other
community businesses. Bridal Beginning
in Mt. Lebanon, owned by Pam Olivo, has
also been a tremendous help and support
for the group’s costume needs.
As a means of giving back to the
community, PTDT volunteers and
performs at local community
events in support of
organizations including
Watchful Shepherd, American
Cancer Society, Match for a
Marine, and the Holiday
Mingle and Jingle for
Breast Cancer Awareness.
VARSITY
Three competition rounds made up the Varsity Division: Preliminaries,
Semi-Finals and Finals. The PT team finished first in the preliminary
round, allowing them to skip the semi-finals round and advance straight
to the finals. In the final round, the team placed second overall in the
Medium Varsity Hip-Hop Division among 31 other teams from across the
United States.
Judges and spectators commented that this year’s Varsity team routine
was one of the best to ever grace the Nationals floor. The execution was
strong and the choreography and musicality were exceptional as the team
participated in the most competitive division.
This year, five seniors danced on the Nationals floor for their last time.
There were tears of joy when the Varsity team was announced as the secondplace team in the country — just .8 of a point shy of first place.
Senior captains Natalie Olivo and Marlee
Chlystek said the experience was bittersweet.
“The team had such a strong bond and that made
this amazing experience that much more special,”
says Chlystek. “I am so thankful and will always
remember my coaches and fellow team members as
I carry on with all of the lessons I have learned from
them. They taught me not only about dance, but
about how to be a better person.”
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2016 Team Members
Varsity
Marlee Chlystek (captain)
Natalie Olivo (captain)
Jordan Aiello
Auriana Carrington
Sarah Ciferno
Lindsey Dolanch
Elise Dowdall
Maggie Ehland
Becca Gialanella
Sydney Labee
Logan Lehrman
Niki Lester
Grace Maggs
Allie Smelko
Jenni Voss