Perrmela Harris, the competitive dance team coach, sports an ear-to-ear smile as she encourages her dancers. RJ Hunt | Washtenaw Voice.
By RJ Hunt
Editor
In August 2022, Perrmella Harris was hired to be the new head coach of WCC’s competitive dance team, which started in fall 2014.
“I’m excited to bring some of my experience to the dance team,” said Harris. She comes with over 30 years of experience. She has owned her own cheerleading and dance facility for over 25 years and she judges competitions on the high school level, all-star level and college level for competitive cheer and dance. Harris has traveled the United States competing in different competitions which includes over 100 national, regional, and local titles.
Harris made it known to her team that she wants them to be disciplined. She told them that she wants them to act and behave accordingly because they are ambassadors of the college. She did make it known how she might be strict, but she knows how to have fun when the time calls for it. “I love Coach P,” said team captain, Eliza Williams. “She is amazing. She’s very passionate about (dancing). She’s the best coach I could ever ask for.”
The competitive dance team moves in unison as they learn a new routine during practice. RJ Hunt | Washtenaw Voice.
Harris wants to make improvements to the dance club. “I am looking forward to making new traditions and putting the team out there”, said Harris. With that goal in mind, Harris has scheduled different events for the team to take part in. She has them competing in different competitions such as the AAU collegiate championship, and a collegiate competition at Hazel Park high school. Along with the competitions, Harris wants the team to give back to the community. They will be taking part in a trunk or treat for Southside Church, the Run for Cam marathon, and the Making Strides breast cancer walk.
Harris feels people should join the team because of the bonds you create with your teammates and how much fun the dancers seem to have. “I’m looking for friendships,” said Alese Baskin, member of the competitive dance team. “We are all in here to have fun, but work too.” Along with friendships it’s a chance to learn hip hop, kickline, and pompon. Harris wants students to know anyone is welcomed to join the team regardless of gender or experience. As long as students are willing to learn, she is willing to teach. “I don’t want people to be afraid to come out because they figured they have to have experience,” said Harris. “This is the whole point of college, to try something new or something you wish you had done.”
To join the competitive dance team:
- No experience is required
- Only have to be taking 3 credits
- Winter 2023 tryouts are Dec. 5 and Dec. 6 from 7-9 p.m.
- Bring a great attitude and a smile to tryouts, per Coach Harris
