By Talia Girvin
October 30, 2020
ORLANDO, Fla. – UCF KnightMoves Dance Team member, Brianna Allen, is moving-and-grooving her way through the 2020 season with a positive attitude and hopeful mindset.
Although this year might have thrown almost everyone for a loop, Brianna Allen is not giving up on herself and more importantly- her dance team. UCF KnightMoves is the official competitive dance team for the University of Central Florida. KnightMoves perform on the sidelines of every home football game, men’s and women’s basketball games, women’s volleyball games, around campus, and in the community. They also compete in multiple dance competitions around the nation.
Since the start of the season, UCF KnightMoves would hold only virtual practices three days a week. Only until recently, has the team started in-person practices.
“Because of COVID, my experience with the UCF dance team has changed,” Allen says. “I am unable to bond and interact with new members and as a whole group like in the past.”
Ranking second overall for the American Athletic East Conference, with a score of 6-2, UCF’s football team doesn’t seem to disappoint. In past years, UCF students, alumni, and fans would fill the stands with energy and enthusiasm. However, with social distance guidelines in place, the 2020 season has looked a bit different.
“UCF is known for the fans and with only 25% capacity the energy is not where it normally is.” Allen explains. “When the energy of the crowd is lower than normal, it makes the game seem longer than it actually is.”
Longer might be one thing, but dancing in the setting-sun, sweat dripping, and wearing a mask seems like it would be another. Or not. Allen responds, “It’s not as bad as everyone makes it sound… over time I have gotten used to preforming with the mask.”
Overall, Allen seems to be overcoming all challenges that COVID has brought in support of her favorite school, UCF. “My outlook is positive, [because] we still get to perform at games. I’m hoping that there is a vaccine in the future, so we can return to normal.”
Aren’t we all?
If there’s one thing to be excited about is seeing Allen and her dance team perform at the next UCF home football game on November 14. Allen, 20, is a sophomore studying biology at the University of Central Florida.
Brianna Allen, UCF KnightMoves dancer cheering on the UCF Knights
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