EP Schools dance teams seek new members; open house April 28 

Eden Prairie Schools’ dance teams are looking for new members.  

Students currently in grades 5 through 11 are welcome to attend an open house Monday, April 28, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Eden Prairie High School dance studio. Prospective athletes can meet coaches and future teammates, ask questions about the program, and watch season recap videos to get a feel for the teams’ character.

The team has been running a series of classes led by outside instructors, many of whom are EP Schools alumni. Guest instructors include dancers from the University of Minnesota and the University of St. Thomas, as well as a Minnesota Vikings cheerleader. Two classes were held in April, and the remaining two will be held May 5 and 12.

Emily Ophus, head coach of Eden Prairie Performance Team (EPPT), said, “I am looking forward to my 10th season with the EPHS Performance Team! The three EP dance programs – CMS Performance Team, EPHS Performance Team and the EP Winter Dance Team – are all such amazing teams to be a part of.”

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The three teams are: 

• Central Middle School (CMS) Performance Team (CMSPT). Grades 6-8. No tryouts are required for this fall sport, which runs Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. Interested athletes can register via a CMSPT Google Form.
• EPHS Performance Team (EPPT). Grades 8-12. Tryouts will take place May 19-21 for this fall sport. Interested athletes can register via an EPPT Google Form.
• EPHS Dance Team (EPDT). Grades 7-12. Tryouts will take place in the fall for this winter sport. 

Dance teams offer community, training, personal growth

The CMS Performance Team, which launched last year, is designed as a fun, low-pressure opportunity for middle schoolers to get a feel for what the high school team will be like. Most practices are after school at CMS, and the athletes also do some practices with the high school team. They gain experience performing at football games and are invited to attend the EPPT fall showcase event to see schools from all over the metro perform.

Kennedy Schumacher, an eighth grader and member of CMSPT and EPDT, said she enjoys showcasing her passion for the sport of dance on behalf of her school. “I love being able to represent Eden Prairie with my friends,” she said, adding, “All the people are super nice – everyone is in it together and supports each other.”

For Sami Bradsher, a seventh grader and member of both CMSPT and EPDT, joining the winter team was a long-held dream. “I have watched my four older sisters dance on EPDT, and I have been waiting so long to be old enough to audition,” she said.

Ophus said, “These teams provide a wonderful opportunity for students that love to dance, perform and be a part of their school.”