BY AASMAA DAMANI
Play Unified recently expanded the activities offered to students involved in the Unified program to include Esports and dance. The Unified athletes have jumped at the new opportunities.
The Esports team started meeting on March 14 in the new Esports arena. “I wanted to be a part of something new and try new games with everyone,” said Dean Hoffman
Even in just the few months the program has existed, it has flourished and expanded. “We started with one team for United Esports’ run through ‘Garden States Esports’ and grew to two teams by the end of the season,” said Unified program coordinator Brooke Chlebowski.
Participants develop various skills through their work with the team. “I like teamwork, strategy, good natured talks and the sharing of each other’s records to show skill and have a sense of feeling good,” said Yadiel Gomez Yordan.
Play Unified teams compete in ‘time trials,’ racing independently on Mario Kart and submitting the team’s times to the league. “I think that the competitions are fun,” said Hoffman.
The Dance Team wanted to get involved and start a Unified program also. “It includes all students interested in dancing and part of the Unified classes at school,” said faculty advisor for the Dance Team, Kristen Celentano.
Besides dancing, the students in Play Unified participate in other fun activities. “I enjoy dancing with my friends, and I love when we have family fun nights,” said Victoria Failla
The Dance Team captains choreograph different routines for the Unified dancers. “I like spending time learning the new dance moves with my teammates,” said Tatiyana Robinson.
The team spends time with each other learning various contemporary dance moves. “Our routines with Unified Dance are a variety of distinctive styles of dance,” said Angelina Iacobelli. “We’ve done pom routines, where the motions are sharp, and the energy is high. Contemporary is more of an emotional and storytelling style, Hip Hop is more upbeat and hard-hitting, and Jazz is more technical and stylized.”
On May 1, Play Unified Dance Team had a showcase performance for a selection of students in the EMGNC auditorium. “My favorite memory from Unified Dance is meeting new friends and dancing together. I am so excited about our show,” said Failla
The students have learned dances to “One Moment in Time” by Whiteny Houston and songs by Dua Lipa, Icona Pop, Justin Bieber, and Megan Trainor. “My favorite memory from Unified Dance is dancing to Whitney Houston with the Dance Team,” said Robinson
Both new teams exude an abundance of kindness and exemplify inclusion. “I like to help out my fellow players as a team member of Esports along with competing with each other in a good manner,” said Gomez.
Students of all abilities benefit from the program. “My experience with Play Unified has been great. We have a lot of fun teaching and learning dances and then performing them as well,” said Alexa Saniel. “It is heartwarming watching everyone have fun and enjoy themselves dancing.”
Posted on 5/30/24
Photos by Aasmaa Damani
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