Bemidji High School graduate Moraya Holleman made headlines this Christmas Day when she participated in a star-studded halftime show at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The event, led by iconic rapper Snoop Dogg, featured Holleman as one of the 24 dancers known as the “Snoopettes.” This unforgettable performance followed her team’s championship win at the National Together We Dance Competition earlier in the year.
Halftime Show Highlights
The halftime show was part of the NFL game featuring the Minnesota Vikings versus the Detroit Lions, which drew a significant audience. An estimated 30 million viewers streamed the event on Netflix, alongside approximately 67,000 fans present at the stadium.
Exciting Audition and Rehearsals
- Holleman, a biomedical engineering major at the University of Minnesota, auditioned while home for Thanksgiving.
- She prepared a short dance video in the high-kick style, which she submitted to the show’s producers.
- The dancers rehearsed intensively for five days, dedicating six to nine hours each day to perfect their routines.
“We really didn’t know each other,” Holleman said about her fellow dancers. “But we all had been trained in the Minnesota kick style growing up and made friends quickly.”
Memorable Christmas Day
On game day, the dancers arrived at the stadium early to prepare. Holleman noted the excitement building among the group as they shared the experience. The show began with Snoop Dogg, dressed in a vibrant red suit, and featured various musical performances, including holiday classics sung by Lainey Wilson and Andrea Bocelli.
A Family’s Pride
Moraya’s parents, Mike and Brenda Holleman, were present to cheer for their daughter from club seats. They have supported her dance journey since she started at Just For Kix at the age of three. Brenda expressed pride in Moraya’s dedication throughout her dance career.
Looking Ahead
As Moraya returns to her studies in January, she reflects on her experience and contemplates her future in dance, possibly as a coach. “This experience reminded me that dance is not going anywhere out of my life,” she shared, emphasizing her renewed passion for the art form following her impressive performance at the halftime show.
