Pirates invade the ballroom, a pirate tradition commonly known as PIB gives students get the opportunity to show off their dance moves on stage. Inspired by the popular show, “Dancing with the Stars,” PIB is the student version of the show.
Beginning in 2010, PIB was founded by Bill Sinon and the Booster Club and has been an annual event since then until Covid struck, and it had to be temporarily discontinued. Last year it was brought back to life and the number of students signed up has doubled this year compared to last.
According to teacher and a leader of PIB, Erin Byrd, “PIB is a great way to have fun with your friends and push yourself out of your comfort zone. PIB is a rewarding experience for everyone involved from the dancers to the crew.”
Byrd explains her point of view on PIB and describes what it takes to make it happen. Students can sign up to be a competing couple, ensemble couple, or crew member. She explains that competing couples learn two dances and compete against each other during the show. There are trophies for the Grand Champions, Runners Up and People’s Choice, which is voted by the audience.
The role of the ensemble couples is to learn one dance and compete to win the People’s Choice trophy. The crew, on the other hand, works more behind the scenes, running the lights, curtains and other necessary components as well as organizing things backstage like communication during the show.
Junior Bella Knoll participated in PIB last year and plans on doing it again this year. Knoll is a student athlete who is used to being in the spotlight, but she claims that it’s different when on the court. “I was definitely nervous as I was one of the two girls who weren’t in dance, but I loved every part of it, especially rehearsals and experiencing the backstage,” Knoll said.
Despite being one of only non-dancers, Knoll persevered and reminded herself that it’s something fun to do with her friends.
There are many more students participating this year than last, and the show will be a larger spectacle than previous years. If you’re interested in watching the show, it takes place in the auditorium on February 28, so mark your calendar if you wish to see the Pirates take over the Ballroom.
