Five, six, seven, eight: These are the words recited three times a week at 6 a.m. by the Pacer Dance Team, which works on perfecting competition routines, half-time performances, basketball games and sidelines.

With their first competition next month, the dance team has been hard at work practicing their routines both together and individually.

Junior dancer Penny Martin said that dance is much more complex than it appears.

“I think especially at school we don’t get to show our technical skills, and we’re a pretty talented team,” said Martin. “Body rolls, turns and flips are all part of dance, along with stamina.”

The dance team this year consists of 22 dancers and five captains, including dance captains Alani LoBravo and London Kniss who are working on improving the team’s culture.

Peyton Berning, one of the five freshmen dancers, enjoys the team’s culture.

“It’s very friendly,” said Berning. “The captains are awesome.”

Last year, the team got third at the state championship in contemporary. This year, the team is excited to return. The team is trying to improve upon their mark last year and are excited to show their hip-hop routine as well.

“We’re always trying to improve and want to get better,” said Martin.

Pacers can cheer for the dance team during appearances at football games, assemblies and more before their first competition.