The lights dimmed, the music dropped, and the UW-Green Bay (UWGB) Hip Hop Team hit the stage with an electrifying energy that captured the audience.
This season, the team performed with a unique theme, centered on the rapper Eminem. With the help of Dana Boedecker, they choreographed an Eminem-themed routine to perform throughout the season. As their final performance of the season concluded this past weekend, it was clear that the team had showcased not only their talent but also their resilience and dedication. This year, the UWGB Hip Hop Team competed across Wisconsin, earning awards and demonstrating growth despite challenges.
Unlike the university’s official dance team, the UWGB Hip Hop Team is a student-led club that operates without the support of athletic funding. However, they continue to deliver stong performances at UWGB basketball halftime shows and compete around Wisconsin. Sara Scanell, the team’s current president for the 2024-25 season, talks about how it was such a great experience for the team.
The team’s last competition was at the Wisconsin Association of Cheer/Pom Coaches (WACPC) State Championship in La Crosse. This event is brought together by qualifying varsity high school teams and collegiate level dancers from Wisconsin. According to Scanell, the competition lasted two days, and the UWGB Hip Hop Team performed on the second day. “It was a long day. We got up early and were at the La Crosse Center by 9 a.m. We performed at 12:14 p.m., and the awards weren’t until 7 p.m.” The team had downtime for team bonding and watched other teams’ routines. The team placed eighth in Collegiate Hip Hop.
For Kayla McCallum, a three-year member and the incoming president, the team is more than just a dance group. “I stayed on the Hip Hop team for the last two years because of my passion and love for dancing. After dancing since I was three years old, I wasn’t ready to be done after High School. The team is very welcoming, and I loved how chill it was while also working so hard,” McCallum shared.
The team community is what makes the UWGB Hip Hop Team unique. While many collegiate dance teams focus on competition, the UWGB team emphasizes personal growth and inclusivity. Members come from various backgrounds, ranging from experienced dancers to individuals who have never danced before. McCallum explained that she would describe the team’s culture and spirit as high-energy, goofy, and humorous. The team is known for being upbeat and focusing on both individual growth and collective improvement. These team members share a tight bond not only because they work toward a common goal but also because they spend significant time together through team bonding and weekly practices.
Throughout Scanell’s presidency, the team has evolved significantly. “I believe the team’s organizational structure and planning have improved tremendously this year. We have increased our profits and fundraising each year that I’ve been on the team. This year, we were able to purchase several team gifts and even launch our own apparel store, thanks to our apparel officer, Olivia Kjorlien! To my knowledge, this year’s team had a record number of members, including many students who had never danced before. I think that’s what made this year’s team so special,” Scanell reflected.
She might be wondering what’s next since the season is wrapped up, the UWGB hip hop team is already looking ahead as the new president, McCallum has many goals for this upcoming year.
“My goals as the next president are to ensure a positive and motivated environment throughout the year, as well as to foster determination to win and improve upon previous seasons,” she said. “I want the team to be as close as possible because teams that are best friends tend to win the most. I want to continue the love for this team and ensure that it has a strong foundation to last for many years, even after we graduate.”
Students interested in joining can reach out via social media or visit the team’s booth at OrgSmorg in the fall. Tryouts will be held in mid to late September. McCallum expressed her excitement for the next season and all the opportunities ahead.