Exclusive Q&A with NBC World of Dance's West Springfield Dance Team
With their fantastically creepy makeup and eerie choreography, the West Springfield Dance Team certainly made their mark on the NBC World of Dance stage. Check outWOD Magazine's exclusive Q&A with this amazing high school crew and find out what goes into their elaborate performance looks.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTH5xWg2N1k
WOD: How did it feel when you found out you’d be on Season 3?
WS: Words can't describe the feeling. It felt like all of the hard work and sacrifice paid off and we were about to be a part of something so big and special. We were honored because we know this is every dancers dream to do this show, and we were now doing it! Overall it was a very proud yet insane moment for the team and coaches- we had to pinch ourselves.
WOD: What style are you performing, and why?
WS: Performance hip hop. Our coaches incorporate our themes with sound effects and voice overs and infuse them into hip hop tracks to create a scene and story. Also, hip hop is always a crowd favorite.
WOD: What inspires you?
WS: Underdogs. Misfits. The ones that don't give up and the ones that are told they aren't good enough or don't fit the mold of what people say they should be.Our motto is don’t follow your dreams, hunt them down.
WOD: What do you think your fans would want to know about you?
WS: Some fun facts are: Yes, that is our real hair! We get asked that a lot! Our hair is actually dreaded and dyed the night before our performance because it takes almost 3-4 hours to do. Our makeup takes anywhere from 2- 8 hours to do the whole team and if we have a two day performance or competition, the team can’t shower or wash their faces or hair until the event is over. Oh the things we do to entertain a crowd! But we love it.
WOD: Why do you think dance is important to the world?
WS: It gives an outlet, a voice, a chance, a purpose, for people to entertain and be entertained. It makes you feel good when you do it and when you watch it. It gives people a creative outlet and something to be proud of.
WOD: What are you most excited or nervous about being on the show?
WS: We are excited to show that hard work pays off and if you stay true to who you are, and what you are about, great things will happen. We are also excited to be one of the only public high school dance teams ever featured on the show. We take pride in representing our school at the highest level. However, since we are not considered a sport at school, sometimes its difficult to get rid of the stigma that dancers are not real athletes. We know a lot of high school dance teams suffer from this stigma as well. Hopefully being on the show will shed light onto high school dance teams all over and help them get the recognition and respect they rightfully deserve.
WOD: What sets you apart from the competition?
WS: Our unique themes. Every dance has a different character we portray. Typically we like to play the villain. A dark, sinister character to tap into. Music, voice overs, makeup, hair are all custom to the theme.
