By Alexandra Macia
Special from UTPB
University of Texas Permian Basin alum Brooklyn Anderson is the new Dance Team coach! A lifelong dancer herself, Anderson was a Varsity Panther Paw at Permian High School and has been a choreographer and coach for six years.
“I was so honored to receive the job and to have the opportunity to take the Falcon Dance Team to NDA College Nationals in Daytona Beach, Florida, in April! UTPB is such a special university and people truly don’t understand how lucky we are to have it right here in Odessa,” said Anderson.
Anderson says she is excited to grow the dance program and hopes to attract even more dancers to UTPB. She believes in coaching dancers to not only dance, but to be good, successful people.
“I am proud to represent a school that offers so many academic options, financial support, and scholarship opportunities to students to help set them up for success and leave college debt free. I know for my personal life, being debt free out of college was a game changer in getting my life started, so it’s very important to me to advocate for the long-term success of students,” said Anderson.
Her goal is to produce an impressive game day team for sporting events at UTPB, as she believes dance and cheer are essential to the overall atmosphere on gamedays. This year UTPB Dance placed sixth in Daytona for College Nationals out of all DII schools in hip hop. Next year they plan on competing in two styles to increase their skill set.
“My goal is to build well rounded dancers that are able to represent our school well in all areas,” said Anderson.
The team is close to doubling in size next year, growing from nine to 16 dancers. Anderson hopes to build and grow a program that makes the community proud. They have recruited six girls so far from places including Permian High School, Odessa High School, Big Spring High School, and other dance studios across West Texas.
“I think it is impressive to already be gaining some interest in our program from so many experienced dancers. We are building an impressive team and I can’t wait to get to work on taking our program to the next level!” said Anderson.
