Whether at practice, walking through choreography at morning practices, or practicing in the mirror at home, the Pacer Dance Team has been hard at work, aiming to improve on their podium finish at last year’s state competition

While they have been hard at work, getting first in hip-hop and second in contemporary dance at their latest competition at Clackamas High School, their practice isn’t the only thing that is helping them be successful.

“We always have board nights where we can hang out and bond,” said senior London Kniss.

These get-togethers are the secret weapon to their success, but there is a less secret way PDT finds success, and that is at their early morning practices. When most of their opponents are sleeping or getting ready for school, PDT is training four months ahead for their state competition.

“We had our first comp this past weekend, and already our team commitment has reflected down to our scores even this first weekend,” said freshman Lily Travis when asked about how the team’s commitment has been paying off.

But PDT is not only preparing for competitions, but they have also been preparing for football season. With this intensely packed schedule, the dancers need to practice at home so they can be the best they can be. These girls are expected to send in a video of themselves dancing at home, practicing for their next big event. 

“We are required to send in a video to our captains to show our commitment,” said sophomore Lillian Vosburg when asked about ways the dancers get better that go unnoticed.

PDT is gearing up for another exciting upcoming season as they continue their competition season on Dec 6, at Rex Putnam for the Holiday Festival of Dance.