After coaching the Bridgeport High School Danceline for several years, Cindy Timms Pulice has stepped down. Terri Kress has been named the new coach.

 

“I’m excited, but a little nervous because I have big shoes to fill,” said Kress of Pulice whose team consistently earned top awards at area competitions. 

 

The wife of local optometrist Dr. Ted Kress and mother of Mackenzie and Miranda, BHS junior and freshman, respectively – Kress recently coached the Fire and Ice Fusion Allstars, a tumbling/dance group with which her daughters competed. They moved on to other activities so she recently gave that position up. Soon thereafter, she was asked to consider coaching the BHS Danceline.

 

“I am really looking forward to working with the girls and seeing what this year brings. I’m excited to jump in with both feet," she said.

 

Tryouts for the 2016-2017 team will be held Aug. 2 at BHS.

 

Girls attending BHS this year are invited to participate. Previous dance experience, as well as turn and leap skills, are is highly recommended. Kress said candidates are to wear a black tank or leotard with no bra straps showing (except sports bras), black shorts and tan dance tights. They should bring both jazz shoes and tennis shoes, as well as a sack dinner. Dances will be taught from 2-5 p.m., after which the girls will have a one-hour dinner break, then the tryout process will begin at 6 p.m.

 

Those making the team must be available to attend the annual Eastern Dance Association camp, which will take place Aug. 8 and 9 at BHS. Both days will run 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 

In addition to routines and dance combinations learned from EDA instructors, Kress will provide some choreography for the season, as will members of the team and possibly other outside choreographers. The team will perform jazz, pom, kick and hip hop routines at boys’ and girls’ soccer and basketball games and school assemblies, among other events, including Bridgeport Light Up Night.

 

To help fund the team’s upcoming year, a car wash and yard sale will be held Sept. 17 at the BHS parking lot. 

 

Pictured top is Kress with daughters Mackenzie (right) and Miranda. Also pictured is the 2015-2016 BHS Danceine, which captured top honors March 6 at the West Virginia Danceline Competition held at Lincoln High School. Read more about that HERE.