The hum of the audience faded as the Poway Center of Performing Arts lights dimmed and the curtain rose to reveal PDP (Poway Dance Project), all wearing holiday sweaters, as “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree” began to play out of the speakers. 

Featuring dances from pep rallies and competitions as well as some new dances to holiday songs, the PDP mesmerized the audience with their performance. 

After a year of modified performances and competitions, the team was excited to have a regular concert following last year’s outdoor performance under a tent. “It felt really exciting to have a normal winter concert, even though last year’s was still fun, this year was just so much better and it feels good to be a part of the tradition,” sophomore Addie Au said. 

Senior captains Mia Basila and Natalie Lockwood, on the team since freshman year, have been dancing since they were in preschool. 

“Being a team captain has been so much fun,” Lockwood said. “Although there are a lot of responsibilities, I am thankful to be able to influence the team to bond together and create the most amazing memories of our high school years.”

Dance has played a huge role in Basila and Lockwood’s lives, both spending many hours a week in the studio to practice and perfect their dances for their performances and competitions.

One of Basila’s favorite memories has been the team’s experience competing at the Universal Dance Association Nationals in Orlando in February.  “Nationals is such a fun time because it’s the last time competing with the team before the season ends. It’s also super rewarding to know all our hard work has paid off when our dances make it into finals,” Basila said. 

After graduating, both Basila and Lockwood hope to further their dance careers by dancing on their college or university’s team.