As the halftime season comes to an end, OH dancers are preparing for the next few months as they leap into the competitive dance season. With months of hard work and training behind them, these girls are ready to display their talent this season.
“We have so many different skills that take it from a spirit level based squad to a competitive team,” said OH Dance Team Head Coach Hannah Hill.
Many of the girls on the halftime team decided to come back for the competitive season. The long practices and training did not push them away, it made them want to fight for more.
“As we get into our competitive season we do strength and conditioning as a team and drill them with foundational skills to improve our turns and our jumps,” Hill said.
Although people see them putting on amazing performances, many look past the time this team puts into their dances.
“We spend about a week or two choreographing and practicing every day on our technique,” said senior Dance Team member Kayleen Spears.
Not only do we see this team working on their skills regarding their dances, but they also value building their friendships throughout the season.
“We pride ourselves on no matter what, supporting each other in and out of the dance room,” Hill said.
This year the dance team has many strong seniors to lead their program. Senior dancer Abby Sommerfield has shown she’s dedicated and an all-around athlete.
“This is going to be my 4th year doing it and I genuinely enjoy all the relationships I have made from being on this team,” Sommerfield said.
The bonds that they make during the season are what is going to get them through the tough months ahead of them.
“You can tell that they are very comfortable with each other and when you take the floor at competitions that really makes a difference. They know that what they put into it that’s what they’re going to get out of it,” said Hill.
Many of the dancers are hoping to go to competitions this year with different perspectives and outcomes this season.
“Some of them create the state experience. They have the lights, the marley floors, curtains and paneling for the judges” Hill added.
After competitions, judges will leave comments on things the teams need to improve on. At the next practices, the girls will work on their dances in hopes of making it further in their season.
“Some of our team goals are to improve technically and hopefully make it to state,” said senior Dance Team member Josie Sowers.
With many local competitions coming up including conference performances and sectionals shortly after that, the dancers are determined to step up their game. Knowing that many schools around OH are very talented, they have found they need to raise the bar for this 2024-25 season.
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