UVM profile

For many avid University of Vermont basketball fans, Diana Pirolos’ face may have become a recognizable one, but not for her basketball skills.

Pirolo is better known for her signature dance moves and bright curly red hair as captain of the UVM dance team.

Official captain since fall 2007, Pirolo has been the main choreographer for the team since she was a sophomore last year.

As an entering freshman two and a half years ago Pirolo debated about whether or not she wanted to join the dance team at the University of Vermont.

When she visited the dance teams table at the beginning of the year Club Fair she was told to look elsewhere.

At a height of 5’ 9” they didn’t think she would have the proper technique, said Pirolo. “I decided to try out anyway and show them what I could do.”

The fact that they didn’t want me on the dance team definitely caused some tension, said Pirolo, who would make choreography suggestions only to be shot down by the older team members.

“I used to walk home from practice crying freshman year.”said Pirolo.

Pirolo has come a long way in newbie freshman she was two years ago. She is now captain and choreographer of the improved UVM dance team.

Our moves are harder and require more technique said Pirolo.

Being captain is a full time job. “I’m always thinking about new moves…I think I do everything I can to help the team progress.”Said Pirolo.

“She’s good at enforcing group dynamic”said Catherine Seme, a UVM sophomore and dance team member. Pirolo hosts many team bonding events that help bring the team together.

“In the past three years I have really noticed an improvement in the dance team.”

Said Amy Keiser, a Junior at UVM and a frequent attendee of the basketball games. Pirolo said she has received many comments similar to this since she has taken over as choreographer and captain.

The dance team is an important part of the morale at basketball games. They attend every game, both men and women’s, as well as traveling with the men’s team.

It is the job of the dance team to excite the crowd and get the basketball teams pumped up to play.

“There would so much less energy at the games if it weren’t for the dance team.”said Brett Gormon, a UVM junior and supporter of the dance team.

Many basketball fans are unable to attend away games. “The boys really depend on us for support and encouragement.”said Pirolo.

It might be safe to say that the boys have come back from some tough situations because of the undying enthusiasm of the dance team, said Keiser.

Next week the girls will accompany UVM’s men’s basketball team to Binghamton, North Carl. “The guys really appreciate having us at away games to encourage them since not many fans can make it.” said Pirolo.