ULV Dance Team Prepares for Ontario Reign Performance

The University of La Verne Dance Team poses after a Homecoming halftime performance. (Courtesy Taylor Fukunaga)

Driven by passion, creativity, and community, student dancers take center stage in a performance ready to light up the Toyota Arena

When the music starts at the Ontario Reign ice hockey halftime show on Tuesday, the University of La Verne Dance Team will take center stage in one of their biggest performances yet. For the dancers, this is more than a routine; it’s the result of late-night practices, creative collaboration, and a shared passion that brings together students from across campus. 

“We dance for each other,” said team captain Taylor Fukunaga, who helps choreograph the team’s hip-hop pieces. “We train together, we work together, and at the end of the day, we’re one big team. I hope people can see that when we perform.” That sense of unity is at the heart of the ULV Dance Team experience that prioritizes connection.

For Emily Saldivar, a senior and team captain, the upcoming performance carries even more meaning: it will be her final time performing with the team.“It’s not about being the most technical dancer,” said Saldivar. “You just have to bring your passion and your dedication. That’s what we value most. I’m excited to perform on the ice. It’s such a different experience,and to have my family there, my friends… it’s really special.” 

The Ontario Reign performance will feature original choreography and a mix of nostalgic, high-energy music designed to connect with a wide audience. “I think people should expect something really dynamic,” Saldivar said. “The choreography is creative, and it’s something we haven’t done before.”

For many dancers, the performance is also a chance to showcase their own creative voices. Jeniyah McCarty, a legal studies major and captain, contributed choreography to this year’s routine. “I dance because it lets me express my feelings,” she said. “It’s hard to explain emotions sometimes, but through dance, you can just feel it. I’m really excited for people to see what we’ve created.” During rehearsals, dancers work together to merge different styles and ideas into one cohesive performance. “There was a moment in practice where everything just clicked,” McCarty said. “We had different visions, but they came together seamlessly. That’s when I knew this was going to be really good.”  

Behind the scenes, the team balances demanding rehearsals with academics, jobs, and campus involvement. Many members rely on careful scheduling and discipline to make it all work. “It’s all about time management,” said Brianna Valdez, a freshman on the team. “We’re constantly planning, studying in between everything, but once we’re in practice, we give it 100 percent.”

Even with the challenges, dancers say the experience is deeply rewarding. “I joined to meet new people and stay involved,” said Kevlyn Martinez, a returning sophomore member. “But it’s become so much more than that. It’s shaped my college experience and helped me grow more confident.” 

For others, dance serves as both an outlet and a sense of home. “I’ve been dancing my whole life,” said Bre Symone, a recent team captain. “Being on this team gives me a space to be myself and just escape for a little while. It’s something that’s always been mine.” That sense of belonging is echoed across the team, where friendships often turn into something closer to family. “It’s definitely a sisterhood,” said Maylah Chanel, a recently appointed team captain. “We support each other, we grow together, and performing together is one of the best feelings.”  

As the team prepares to take the stage, excitement continues to build, not just for the performance itself, but for what it represents. Performing at a professional arena like the Ontario Reign game offers a rare opportunity to showcase the importance of the arts at ULV and beyond. “This is about more than just us,” Martinez said. “It’s about representing our team and our university, and showing people what we can do.” 

For Fukunaga, the experience comes down to something simple. “I dance because it brings me joy,” she said. “No matter what’s going on, when I’m dancing, I feel like myself.” And when the music hits, everything else fades away. “You stop thinking,” she added. “You just perform.” 

Tickets are available at: Ontario Reign Tickets