This past fall season, the Knightettes took steps in a new direction to change the previously known Spirit Squad into a more structured fall dance team. They trained to perform at numerous football games and also to prepare for the more rigorous season to come.

Though the fall season didn’t allow the girls the chance to participate in competitions because of MSHSL rules, the girls still practiced six to eight hours per week in order to prepare for performances at games and the Homecoming pep-fest. “My favorite part about being on dance team is performing and competing because it’s when our hard work pays off,” said senior captain Natalie Dorsey.

During the fall, the girls not only entertain the student body and fans, but also prepare for their more competitive winter season. “We practice three days a week in the fall, and then five days a week at three hours each plus competitions during the winter…it is a lot more competitive,” said Dorsey.

Last year, the winter dance team returned to the state tournament for the 11th consecutive year where they won first place in Jazz/Funk (giving them their fourth Jazz/Funk championship since 1999) and fourth in High Kick at the state tournament. “We hope that we can do as well as we did last season, and I think that our fall season has showed how much potential our team has,” said junior captain Amanda Gales.

Between the two seasons, the girls find plenty of time to get to know each other better. “My favorite things about dance team are all of the inside jokes between the team and getting up early looking all cute with our hair or makeup done on the bus ride to competitions eating our bag breakfasts,” said Gales.

After the more recreational fall season, the girls began to practice for the winter season on October 19. Keeping the momentum from this previous fall season, they head into the winter season with hopes of retaining the state championship title.