The Ramapo Dance Team’s pom music is a mix of upbeat songs created by the head coach, Coach Rachel Daluz. Halfway through their pom routine, a remix of Saweetie’s “Fast (Motion)” blares through with the lyrics “Rule number one, never be number two.” The dance team made good on this rule when they won the Regional Champion Title for Large Varsity Pom at Dance Team Union Regionals on December 11th. Coach Rachel exclaimed, “Nothing makes me more proud than when the team knows they did well and they’re about to hear their name in first place. In that moment, the way they look at each other and me with pride fills my heart as a coach.” This win also made program history, marking the Ramapo Dance Team’s first regional pom win. “What I am most proud of is the growth of this team, both technically and mentally. They performed with confidence, heart, and authenticity, and they represented our program with such professionalism,” assistant coach and Ramapo alumni Coach Bevinn Byrne added. “These girls look like they are dancing at a collegiate level. Seeing them believe in themselves and each other is the most rewarding part of this experience.”
Perhaps the most inspiring part of the dance team’s win is their resilience. The dancers have dedicated long hours, not only after school but also over winter break. While their first competition didn’t yield the results they wanted, they remained motivated and made the necessary adjustments to achieve their goal. Coach Rachel asserted, “Everyone understood their role, trusted one another, and showed up prepared, which allowed us to work cohesively and adapt when challenges arose.” This made the regional win the following weekend all the more meaningful. Senior Captain Dylan Epstein exclaimed, “I am so beyond proud of this team. These girls are like a second family to me, and I love them so much. We have worked so hard to be prepared for this season, and I could not be happier to see that work pay off.”
Another major factor in the dance team’s success is the strong team culture. While they show up to practice prepared and ready to work hard, they also maintain their bond through pre-competition pasta dinners, running clinics and fundraisers, and post-winter break practice team lunches. Junior Adeline Rohner mentioned, “I love warming up with the team and listening to our team playlist right before we perform.” This year, team bonding has transcended to another level with the enthusiastic support of the Ramapo Dance Dads, who recently made their debut on Instagram (@ramapodancedads). They are hard to miss in their LL Cool J-inspired velvet green track suits and blinged-out bucket hats topped off with a flashing silver “R” chain.
The dance team will be continuing their hard work into nationals, taking place February 5-9, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. “Going into nationals, I feel excited and motivated. This win gave the team confidence, but we know there is still work to be done. Our focus is continuing to push ourselves, clean with intention, and perform with the same passion and drive,” Coach Bevinn stated. “We’re ready to embrace the challenge ahead.” Success is earned: a rule that the Ramapo Dance Team has always abided by. That, and to never be number two.
