The Pacer dance team had some major changes such as new captains, coaches, and teammates, but they have navigated these new changes to their team with excitement.
“It’s been going really well, been really fun,” said senior Ellie Corman. “[The] new fresh set of faces [has] brought a new energy to the team.”
That energy is especially impressive when considering the dance team wakes up every morning for 6:00 a.m. practices. Often, they only have about 20 minutes in between practice and school in order to change into new clothes and prepare for the day. Yet, there are rarely any complaints at all and instead, they bring hard work, dedication, and excitement to the table.
For example, the drop split featured during their dance routine for the first night of football was learned in only one practice.
“We have a lot of fun routines this year,” senior Abby Dixon said. “And over the past few years, it’s been really amazing to watch the team grow. Our team is a lot bigger this year. We went from 18 people to 25.”
Football games aren’t the only thing they prepare for. PDT headlined a youth clinic in the middle of October with over 100 kids participating. They performed a routine with the kids as well as their own routine which garnered cheers from the audience of the nights game.
Soon, they’ll be practicing not just for youth clinics and football games but for competitions.
“Comp season starts next November. We’re going to eight competitions as of right now,” said Dixon.
The dance team has begun getting their state routines down.
“We’re so excited,” Corman said. “It’s like the best part of the season.”
The dance team clearly loves comp season and as a result, their performance is sure to be spectacular. So come watch them at state later this year in the Spring for what’s sure to be a jaw-dropping performance. In the meantime, come to the Trail Blazers game on Dec. 26 where they will also be showcasing their skills and dedication.