The Dance Team’s preparation for next year’s group is taking place in Gym A and B during the following times:

Practices: Tuesday, April 13, 4-6 p.m. / Wednesday, April 14, 4-6 p.m. / Friday, April 16, 4-6 p.m. / Tryouts: Saturday, April 17, 1 p.m.

To be eligible for tryouts, students must attend at least two out of the three practices this week. Three-year coach Sarah Malott said everyone will learn a short routine that they will perform, in addition to showing off their personal techniques and skills.

The team plans to perform at all of the halftime shows for home football and basketball games, and Malott said she hopes to enter and attend state competitions with the group in the upcoming season.

Sophomore Sydney Potts, a dancer who plans to return next year, said that her favorite part of Dance Team has been the unique and comfortable costumes, as well as the family dynamic among the participants.

Potts said she hopes the team moves forward with a group of girls who are looking to encourage one another and build each other up. To anyone on the fence about trying out, she offered a simple message:

“Just go with your gut,” Potts said. “If you truly want to do it, and you dance, just go try out and don’t let anybody’s opinion get in the way of you doing what you love.”

21cleiker@usd489.com