×

Brooke Dance Team members to perform at Disney World parade

READY TO CHEER — Senior Brooke High School dance team members Maria Lombardi, left, and Taylor Pannett have been selected to perform at Disney World with hundreds of cheerleaders from throughout the United States. -- Warren Scott

WELLSBURG — Two senior members of the Brooke High School Dance Team will be trading their green and gold uniforms for green and red ones in keeping with the holiday theme of a Disney World parade in which they have been invited to perform.

Maria Lombardi of Follansbee and Taylor Pannett of Weirton were invited to appear in the Second-Annual Varsity Spirit Spectacular Christmas Parade at Disney World while attending a summer competition held by the Universal Dance Association.

They are among more than 800 high school cheerleaders and dance team members who will be performing to a medley of Christmas songs while dancing before hundreds of visitors to the amusement park’s Magic Kingdom in December.

The pair’s families raised the funds for them for airfare and accommodations through a package offered by the parade’s organizers.

Both began dancing at a young age. In addition to receiving instruction from Shelby Mazzone, coach of Brooke’s dance team, they have attended area dance schools.

Lombardi, the daughter of Paul and Karolee Lombardi, attends the Casey Sisters Dance Academy. Pannett, the daughter of Tim and Amy Pannett, attends the Michele Dance Studio.

Both are members of the school’s Key Club, DECA chapter and Future Business Leaders of America/Interact. Lombardi is senior class president, and Pannett has provided choreographic instruction for the school’s musicals.

Both are looking forward to seeing Disney World decorated for Christmas and riding such attractions as the Rockin Rollercoaster.

They also hope to work at the park one day.

Pannett plans to study hospitality and tourism management at Robert Morris University and hopes to pursue a career at Disney World.

Lombardi plans to study business entrepreneurship and communications at West Virginia University and would like to intern there.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

COMMENTS

Starting at $4.73/week.

Subscribe Today