Dance team is ready to perform before a roaring student section with hair glitter, smiles and high kicks once again.

To prepare for the season, over summer break they’ve had dance practice, band camp and NDA Dance camp, an arduous, spirited, and blister filled three days, held at Emporia University.

“NDA Camp is really hard,” varsity dance coach Christin LaMourie said. “We are dancing all day from breakfast until 10:30pm for 3.5 days. It is exhausting, but a fantastic bonding experience and challenge that allows us to grow together.”

Dance captains, seniors Mallory O’Neal, Ellie Roberts, and assistant junior Ella LaMourie choreographed a dance to be performed by their team at NDA dance camp, which they practiced for the weeks leading up.

Nine varsity dancers attended camp. They had to learn and compete two “individual style routines”, an “elite team dance” and one “home routine.” According to LaMourie, everyone earned superior ratings, a special award for technical growth, and ribbons of merit.

“This was a first for our team,” LaMourie said.

Another first — JV attended an Innovative Camp at Shawnee Mission North in late June.

In July, dance team rehearsed with Marching Cougar Pride Band at band camp for two weeks. They dressed up for spirit days, played games like poison frog and of course, learned steps and polished dances for game season and assemblies. 

“It was pretty good,” freshman and JV dancer Olivia Randolph said. “I think we learned 12 sidelines in three days. It was tiring, but I’ll get it down and it’ll be fine. 

This year they have a new JV team, and coach, due to the large group of girls who tried out and made dance team last spring. 

“I’m very excited that the dance team has grown and that we are able to have a JV,” JV dance coach Louisa Ruby said. “I have long admired this dance program and to be a part of it in this way is awesome.”

Dance team’s goal this year is to embrace the program’s growth and help brand new dancers feel like they’re a part of something.