A former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader held a workshop in West Hartford with Kingswood Oxford football players and dance students.

Submitted by Jackie Pisani, Kingswood Oxford

Instead of practicing their spiral throws, on Sept. 16, Kingswood Oxford football players worked on high kicks and high “V”s with former Dallas Cowboy cheerleader Victoria Kalina, the breakout star on the Netflix documentary America’s Sweetheart. Following her workshop with the players, Kalina had an intensive with KO’s dance students.

For the past three years, the unlikely pair of Director of Performing Arts Kyle Reynolds and football coach Brandon Batory have collaborated to highlight interdisciplinary learning, as stated in the school’s strategic plan. In doing so, the football players have gained a greater appreciation of dancers’ athleticism, engaged in intensive workouts with a professional dancer, and built community between the KO dancers and athletes.

Before Kalina’s arrival, professional dancer Nicole Henkel taught the players the DCC signature number to ACDC’s “Thunderstruck,” so they had a foundational understanding of the routine. As Kalina entered the dance studio, the players, who had donned their practice jerseys and socks, erupted into cheers in a fun role reversal.

“We’re going to work on dance,” Kalina said, “because athletes need dance to become more flexible.”

Former Dallas Cowboy cheerleader Victoria Kalina with the Kingswood Oxford football team. Courtesy photo

Kalina led the players in a series of high-energy exercises to limber them up. After the players were sufficiently stretched, Kalina organized the teams in rows, with the senior players in the front to set the tone for the rest of the team. Next, Kalina broke down the routine with step-by-step instructions. There were plenty of missed cues and laughs as the players attempted the dance, full of power moves, hand pumps, and hair tossing. The dancers viewed the team from the side and encouraged the players. For the final run-through, the players wore cowboy hats for full effect.

NBC interviewed three players, Stephen Bailey ’25, Justin Morle ’26, and Cameron Thomas ’26, to hear their take on the experience. Each player expressed their appreciation for the workout. More importantly, they were grateful to break out of their comfort zones and try something new.

Former Dallas Cowboy cheerleader Victoria Kalina worked with the Kingswood Oxford football team and dancers. Courtesy photo

After working with the players, Kalina workshopped with the KO dance performers, who were ecstatic about the opportunity.

“Victoria Kalina’s visit was a game changer for our department,” Reynolds said. “Not only did she boost the strength and flexibility of our football players, she leveled up our most advanced dancers in a way that we’ve never seen before.”

The morning after the class, several students ran to Reynolds’ office to tell them how sore they were, but more importantly, that it was the most fulfilling dance experience they’ve ever had – and these dancers have been dancing their entire lives.

“KO’s guest artist visits deeply impact our community and further distinguish our signature programs,” Reynolds said. “When you dance at KO, you’ll get the opportunity to learn five dance styles every day after school, perform in top-notch productions, and meet celebrity guests from Broadway, television, and now, the NFL. This is what inspiration, education, and impact look like in 2024.”

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