The sound of classical jazz music echoes in the gymnasium as a row of girls in sofie shorts begin to do their daily stretches before it’s their turn to appear in front of the judges for the March 28 dance tryouts.
Waiting patiently for her turn, junior Saralyssa Gonzalez replays the routine she learned from her fellow seniors over and over, and then as if time itself flew by in a blink of an eye, she realizes it’s her turn.
The look of confidence can be seen in her eyes, as she steps into the spotlight. Like a swan, she gracefully performs the routine with ease and leaves the four judges impressed.
Anticipation lingers in the halls, as dance try-outs were held March 28-30 afterschool. Returning dancers and new faces all practiced extensively in hopes of making the Wildcat Dance team by learning special turns, sequences, and leaps.
“My friends and I would go have our own practice sessions after our practices with our upperclassmen in the gym. We only had time to learn the dance for two days after school from 4:30-8:30 p.m.,” said junior Cheyenne Easley.
Many returning dancers, including sophomore Regan Huse successfully made it on the team with a total of 44 other girls, who were mainly returning dancers.
“I’m so excited I made the team again, and I also made it as Junior Lieutenant. I am also thrilled because as an officer I can help the members become stronger dancers,” said Huse.
Although some found the try-outs easier than others, some found the judges a tad bit intimidating, but the added pressure gave the contestants a will of determination.
“I was nervous and excited, because most of the techniques this year were difficult and the judges consisted of coaches from other schools or professional dancers,” said junior Stefani Obarr.
Even though there were many returning dancers, Gonzalez and junior Michelle Howard were a couple of the new faces added to the Sliver Stars dance team.