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By Jon Paul Martin
Sun Correspondent

The GRC and RDC cheer and dance teams joined forces at the old Cardinal gym Saturday morning to put on a community showcase outlining their talents and progress over the past year.

Covid has affected these groups like every other, and for many in attendance, this was the first chance at seeing these groups perform live this season. The showcase started with a freestyle tumbling round where any member of the clubs in attendance could show off their skills.

RDC Cheer kicked off the program with a cheer competition mash-up that outlined their coordination and formation skills. Special recognition was given to RDC 8th grade cheer members Charley Brock, Emma Bush, Dakota Craycraft, Annie Lucas, Lilly Anne McLemore, Aniya McIntire, and PK Palmer. RDC cheer is coached by Taylor Howard, assisted by Savannah Congleton. GRC cheer hit the floor next with a close, albeit matched to advance skill level performance. Special recognition was given to GRC senior cheer members Hailey Paynter and Ashley Ware. The GRC Cheer Squad is coached by Jerica Whittaker and assisted by Emily Rogers.

During a brief intermission, the crowd witnessed a pleasing, solo performance of Michael Jackson’s “Don’t Stop ‘til You Get Enough” was put on by GRC dance senior Chris Farley. Chris didn’t disappoint (he never does) as he slid around the court, dressed in a tuxedo, feet seeming to float at times.

RDC dance started the second half of the performance “Pom” style routine that seemingly bridged the gap between dance and cheer. During their second set, they performed a bleacher-vibrating “hip hop” number that got the audience moving. Special recognition was given to RDC dance 8th graders Tiffany Zhang and Layla Snell. The RDC dance team is coached by Whitney Snell, with Haley Snell assisting.

The GRC dance team finished out the formal performance with two additional sets of their own, both classic and “hip hop.” The GRC dance team is coached by Andi Rector, assisted by Brittany Fuller. At the end of the show, both RDC and GRC cheer teams spread across the gym and led the crowd in the Cardinal Cheer, reminding all of us that we are one county and support each other.