Dancing into something new
Millard West Dance Team gets a new coach
Photo Courtesy of Caroline Unger
Standing on the sideline of a Nebraska football game, Husker Scarlet Caroline Unger cheers on the Huskers. Unger has been a part of the Scarlets for all of her years at UNL and has danced for all of her life. “As a Husker Scarlet I learned the skill of balancing responsibilities, I determine my priorities, make lists and work hard to get everything done well,” Unger said. “I am so excited to be back at my alma mater dance team where I get to lead amazing girls on an elite team that I could not be more proud of to be a part of.”
March 23, 2022
After several years of our Millard West Dance Team placing at the UDA Nationals and being Hip Hop Class A State Champs and third place in Jazz, a new season rolls around with new challenges.
After coaching for seven years and leading the girls to many victories and accomplishments head coach Laura Pickett ended her MWDT coaching Career to have some new goals and opportunities. Pickett knew it was time for a new era of MWDT so she handed it off to former Millard West dancer and Nebraska Scarlett dancer Caroline Unger.
“Ever since I was a freshman in high school at my first UDA Nationals, I dreamed of coaching my own team,” Unger said. “I have a passion for developing dancers and helping them reach their goals. I am so excited to be back home and lead the MWDT.”
Performing for the Husker Scarlets gave Unger more leadership experiences which she applied to her dancing career. Not only was she a college dancer she ran her own classes out of Fusion Dance Studio and has taught many technique lessons for our MWDT over the years. Unger also works with an online experience to prales high school dancers for college try-outs.
Athletic Director Lance Smith posted on social media and had gotten recommendations from many from around the dance community to help him find a new coach that would help and challenge the girls enough through dance and as women. After many weeks of consideration and interviews he chose Unger.
“Caroline really checked all of the boxes for what we want in a dance coach,” Smith said. “The fact that she is an alum is a huge bonus. She understands the traditions, the time commitment, the challenges, the community relationships and so much more. She will be able to take the best things about MW dance and combine them with what she’s learned as a Scarlet and from her studio to build on what has already been established.”
Although having many successful years the MWDT, is open and enthusiastic about having a new coach for next year. Dancers like junior Larin Frazier are excited for what’s to come.
“Caroline will be the perfect new coach for MWDT, and is exactly what we needed,” Frazier said. “She has amazing experience which will set us up for the most success. Next year will be different, but there are so many good ways. She was a Husker Scarlet at UNL which means she can push us not only on the competition side, but also on the game day side of the dance team.”
There will be a MWDT Info meeting on Tuesday, March 22. at 6:00 PM and audition prep clinics Wednesday, March 30 and Thursday, March 31 from 6:00-7:30 PM. The cost is $5 a day for both prep clinics. They will begin their season next school year where they will perform for assemblies and at halftime at football games hoping to add more of a college atmosphere to their performance.
