The Simpson Dance team performs the most challenging steps of its season on Saturday in a performance at a Minnesota Timberwolves game.

On Nov. 19 the team will be performing during the halftime show of the NBA basketball game.

“The team hopes to put on an exciting performance,” Dance Coach Becky Gripp said. “We really want to do something that will wow the audience.”

The women view this performance as a chance to display the team’s skills. Bringing entertainment and spirit to the audience – and themselves – is an added bonus, Gripp said.

Senior co-captain Alyssa Pressler is already feeling that excitement.

“I am extremely excited to perform at the Minnesota Timberwolves game,” Pressler said. “I feel we have a talented dance team. Plus, our new pom uniforms have just arrived and we cannot wait to show them off.”

The Timberwolves play at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn.

“Performing at this game is really good publicity for the college, it gets our schools’ name out there,” Gripp said. “The girls have worked really hard with three practices each week. We have really focused on the details, making sure that we are together and that the moves are crisp.”

The trip to Minnesota is also seen by the coach as an opportunity for the team to bond.

“They get along well and use teamwork to constantly show signs of improvement,” Gripp said.

This is the first time the Simpson dancers have had an opportunity to perform at an event this big: the Timberwolves average about 17,000 fans per home game.

“We had to sell 75 tickets in order to be able to go,” Donaghy said. “It’s mainly friends and family going, but I know of some Simpson students [who] are going to support us as well.”

The team is able to dance in many different styles, including hip-hop, pompom, kick, funk, and lyrical jazz. However, at the Timberwolves’ game, the team decided on a pom-funk dance.

Pressler is confident about Saturday’s performance.

“The season has been excellent so far,” Pressler said. “We have learned a lot and have performed many different styles of dance. I am looking forward to learning more as the year continues.”