Lynnfield and North Reading unite to create first dance team

THE LYNNFIELD-NORTH READING co-op dance club is ready for their debut season. In the first row from left to right is Charlotte Rose, Gabriella Petrillo, Ella Hodson, Alexandra Gamer and Tess Lanza. In the second row from left is Kaila Brady, Olivia Petrillo, Ellie Phelps, Jenna Arsenault, Reagan Chisholm and Sabrina Hayman. In the third row from left is Katie McGuinness, Camiele Lewis, Gargi Bhosle, Emily Baker, Cailey Guy and Addison Patel. Missing from photo: Sierra Robertson.

NORTH READING — The Lynnfield-North Reading co-op dance team performed their first routine at halftime of the NRHS girls’ basketball game on Friday night.

With the rise of dance team popularity at the high school and collegiate level, a group of NRHS students — all competitive danvers at LaPierre School of Dance — created the North Reading Dance Club which was approved and recognized by NRHS in the fall of 2023.

Over the summer, a Lynnfield parent took notice and reached out, starting the process of a co-op club between the two schools that is now ready to perform together at various sporting events.

THE LYNNFIELD-NORTH READING co-op dance team made their debut on Friday night at NRHS. The team will next perform this Friday night at halftime of an NRHS boys’ basketball game and they will perform at LHS on Jan. 24 and Jan. 26. (Eric Evans Photo)

The students from both high schools have come together to further develop the club, designing LNR uniforms and using their networks to recruit local choreographers who formerly danced for the Celtics and Patriots.

The LNR dance team put on a great show on Friday night and will return to the court this Friday for another halftime performance at the Hornet boys’ basketball game which starts at 6:30 p.m.

The team will make their debut at Lynnfield High on Jan. 24 for a girls’ basketball game (6 p.m. start) and on Jan. 26 for a boys’ basketball game (2:30 p.m. start).

The parent liaison from NRHS is Nicole Gamer and a Lynnfield parent who has volunteered her time and expertise in a coaching capacity is Alexis Leahy.