The Riverside EpiCenter was full of young and talented dancers, steppers, and cheerleaders on Saturday, January 27, 2024, for the Boom Cheer & Dance Exhibition. The event was standing-room only as spectators poured into the facility.
Ronetta “Phat” Hill created Boom as an affordable and fun-filled event for the community to showcase the evolution of cheerleading and dance. “This event was designed to build athletes’ confidence and to give their coaches insight so they can be successful competitively,” said Hill.
One of the things that separates Boom from other showcases is that all participants walk away feeling like winners. Each participant received a complimentary critique by certified judges and an award.
The moves, the style, the music, the host, everything about the Boom Cheer & Dance Exhibition was of a high standard. Boom is a movement that represents the freedom to create, evolve, and express.
A group of dancers that shined at the exhibition was Dream Xtreme Empire, a recreational cheer and dance competition program. Says London Weems, the captain of the Dream Xtreme Empire, “Being the captain is fun. It’s not about being perfect, but you do have to be your best self because the other dancers look up to you.”
The Boom Cheer & Dance Exhibition provided young girls and boys a platform to showcase their talent through self-expression and movement.
“It is important to have opportunities like this to continue to get better, have fun, and show the crowd what we can do, said Weems.”
Stepping is a percussive, highly energetic art form first developed through African-American fraternities and sororities’ song and dance rituals. In stepping, the body becomes an instrument, using footsteps, claps, and spoken words to produce complex polyrhythms.
Prime Steppin’ was another standout at the Boom Cheer & Dance Exhibition. The team is made up of both boys and girls. Prime Steppin’ was founded two years ago by Candyce McClary, a native of New York. When she first created the step program, many kids on the team had never heard of step and didn’t know what stepping was.
Says McClary, “Opportunities like this keep kids active and out of trouble. We have a great group of kids, and I’m proud of them.”
Coach McClary is paving the way for the youth, such as the captains of Prime Steppin’, whose passion and work ethic are undeniable when they step on the floor.
Boom Cheer & Dance was a high-energy showcase with a competitive style, vibe, and experience. We’re already anticipating the next one!