Today, one CV alumna has high kicked her way all the way to New York City. Katie Vercek, a 2011 graduate, is pursuing a career in dance and was recently given the opportunity to train with the Radio City Rockettes.
“[In high school] I was a member of the Drill Team, Dance Troupe, Orchestra, Musicals, Fall Play and more! As you can see, I loved the Performing Arts!” said Katie.
Driven by her love of the arts, Katie decided to pursue her passion at Seton Hill University through a Music Education major with a minor in Dance. However, at the start of Katie’s freshman year of college she found, unlike CV, Seaton Hill did not have a dance team.
“When I started school at Seton Hill I was upset to find that they did not have a Dance Team. So instead of complaining about it, I got involved and started the first Seton Hill Dance Team. I am the Captain and Choreographer for the team and have learned a lot through this adventure.”
Katie founded the team in January 2013. By April, the team had already begun to establish themselves in the community as well in competition.
“We attended our first competition at Washington & Jefferson’s Spring Fling Dance Competition. We placed second overall.” Katie recalled. “I was extremely proud of the girls for their performance and how far we have come as team. We now perform at various Seton Hill sports events, dance competitions and community events.”
With the success of organizing a university dance team, Katie stumbled upon the Rockette Summer Intensive, which is an annual program that gives aspiring Rockettes the opportunity to train under the direction of one of the most famous dance troupes in the country.
“I have always loved the Rockettes, so I thought I’d give it a try. I had never auditioned for a professional intensive before, but a lot of what the Rockettes do is very similar to the Charvalettes, in terms of style. So I thought I’d have a good chance,” explained Katie.
Katie sent a video audition and was accepted! Thousands of girls audition and only 500 make it. There were 81 students the week Katie attended.
During one week of intensive study with the Rockettes and a Rockettes Director and Choreographer, dancers trained for six hours of class, working towards a Final Showcase performance at the end of the week. The girls also got to have a Q&A session with the Rockettes.
“My favorite part of the intensive was the performance. To have Rockettes on the sides of the stage, watching you was very intimidating, but thrilling. Wearing the red lipstick and smiling under the bright lights felt amazing.”
According to Katie, there were many similarities between Mrs. Jenkins’ Drill Team training and the Rockette.
“At the Rockette Summer Intensive we did basically the same arm and plank workouts I did in high school. Also remember, that the Charvalettes dance all summer in the blazing sun and in the freezing cold during the fall, while juggling algebra, biology and senior projects! I think the Rockettes have it easy compared to our Charvalettes!”
Katie describes her high school dance experience as one of the key components of her dance success.
“The Charvalettes perform at a professional level. They are truly a unique team and continue to impress audiences whether in Showcase or at a football game. I would not have been prepared for the Rockette Summer Intensive without having had my Charvalette experience.”
“I owe everything I have done regarding the Rockettes to Mrs. Cathy Jenkins the Dance Instructor for the Charvalettes and Dance Troupe. She is an amazing teacher with so much charisma and creativity; it is because of her teaching that I am where I am today.”
As for Chartiers Valley preparing Katie for life beyond high school, she keeps CV in high regards.
“Chartiers Valley has prepared me in many ways. Aside from what I have gained from the dance program at CV, Chartiers Valley has also prepared me academically. The AP classes and College in High School (CHIS) classes offered at CV are a huge help and saved me some money, as well. I definitely recommend taking AP English and getting in as many CIHS classes in as you can, you will definitely be glad that you don’t have to sit through statistics in college and pay for it.”
Katie’s advice for current CV students is to take advantage of all the extracurricular activities. “Generally I would say to take advantage of all of the opportunities CV has to offer. Get involved with anything that interests you. CV has so much to offer in this aspect.”
Watch Katie’s audition video on YouTube>>
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