Football player Garrett Horn (’18) and teacher Tara Bearden follow Amber Neff (’18) as she leads them through the choreography. Photo by Ivy Duong.by Ivy Duong, Staff Photographer & Vivian Le, Staff Cartoonist
On June 4, the dance and football team will be hosting their annual “Dancing with the Stars” fundraiser for the fifth year.
Inspired by the real television show, dancers and football players have to pair up with a teacher and learn a dance together to perform at the show. Dancers self choreograph their own piece, but the football players receive help from other dancers.
For the first time last year, physical education teacher and dance coach Tara Bearden performed with a student and also choreographed the group dance at the end for the dancers and football players. This year, she will be doing the same.
“It’s a worth alright, it’s a feat. [The football team is] really crazy and all they want to do is hit each other, so getting them to pay attention, to do their dance, is hard work, but they do it,” said Bearden.
Bearden, who will spend five weeks preparing for the event, will be performing her dance with football player Garrett Horn (’18). With many weeks of practice, Bearden’s confidence has skyrocketed and is ready to compete.
“I’m looking forward to competing because I’m a competitor. I love dancing and performing in front of people. When you add a competition in for me, it’s all more fun,” said Bearden.
Meanwhile, Fountain Valley High School’s very own principal Morgan Smith, will also be dancing. Last year was his first year participating in the event. He and the previous captain of the dance team was given break dancing as their style.
“This year, I am paired with Monet Favreau (‘17), and we drew the foxtrot. So we’re currently practicing a routine that she choreographed; it’s all styled in the foxtrot dance. With anything, you want to do your best, and dancing, I am not a natural dancer…so it does take a lot of practice. I really don’t want to disappoint my dance partner. She’s an amazing dancer, and I want her to be proud of me because I know she puts a lot of work into the choreography,” said Smith.
Much like the earlier staff vs students basketball game, the teachers are looking forward to seeing their students in an environment outside the classroom and to bring the campus closer together. Last year, the event had been a success, bringing teachers not on the dancefloor and a diversity of students.
“I hope everybody comes out and supports it because it’s such fun. It’s gonna be a great night, so I hope everyone comes,” said Bearden.
