“And now presenting…the world-class Rancho Cucamonga High School Dance team!”
Cheers erupt from the bleachers as Mr. Aaron Bishop hyped up the audience at the homecoming rally for the excitement and excellence of RCHS Dance.
Dance consists of 200 members across five teams, with passion, dedication, and a relentless desire to win competitions and wow the crowd. Under the leadership of Ms. Larina Vessup, an RCHS alumna and a seasoned dancer, the team channels high energy and expressive performance to thrill every audience.
With multiple wins and captivating routines, the RCHS Dance Team closed out the 2024 season on a high note, with varsity featuring the RCHS drumline in their Junior Max Out competition. Their collaboration earned first place in the junior division, making them three-time Max Out champions, a testament to the consistent excellence of the Junior Varsity and Varsity teams.
Dance works tirelessly to ensure perfection, expressiveness, and full energy. Especially with the recent Max Out Dance Competition performance, which took place on Sunday, Nov. 23, where the JV team competed and varsity presented an exhibition performance.
During the December Dance Workshops which took place Dec. 1-5, varsity members shared their experience and expertise with other students and RCHS dance teams. In addition to events like the workshops, members of the dance team also participate in weekly dance practices that go on for hours during, after, and even outside of school. The countless hours of rehearsing are how these champions prepare for the dance season, ensuring their moves are sharp and precise, and their faces are filled with attitude.
“[The hard part] is the mental aspect of how you’re going to present yourself and how much you’re going to stand out against other outstanding performers,” junior Taylor Jordan said.
Jordan, a dancer on the JV team, explained that dance is more than just a physical sport. It also tests the mental strength, focus and maturity of every performer.
Every eight-count, flip, split, and turn takes hours of repetition and teamwork to master. No matter the time of day, these dancers push themselves to reach a level of excellence that defines RCHS dance. They do this, not only as a team but as a family.
“I’ve always been in this, so managing it with school has never really been a problem,” senior Varsity captain Isabella Wattenpaugh said.
The hard work doesn’t stop when the music fades. Many dancers like Wattenpaugh balance their rigorous practice schedule with schoolwork, extracurriculars, and personal commitments, ensuring that excellence continues off the dance floor.
“I hope that they see the love that we have in our group, because it’s a fantastic family that we’ve built. I just want the kids to go out there and show everybody what we’re about,” Vessup said.
Vessup continues to inspire her dancers with lessons that go beyond choreography. Her focus on teamwork, leadership, and confidence encourages dancers to perform not only with skill but with heart.
Her words capture the spirit of RCHS Dance, a family built on unity, passion, and pride. As they continue to perform, compete, and inspire, the dancers embody more than choreography and rhythm. They represent dedication, teamwork, and the powerful bond that keeps legacy alive on and off the dance floor.
