The BSM dance team has readied themselves for another year of competition. With the 2017 season beginning, there comes new opportunities for friendships to be made, and medals to be won.  

Dance team is not just a one season sport like most are; it starts in the fall and ends late winter. This year’s fall season was very different from last season. There were new fall coaches and the girls worked on multiple dances as opposed to doing one like they typically have done. Because of fall season, the team has already grown really close and have clear goals of what they want to accomplish for the winter season. “We spend so much time together that we have already gotten to know each other so well, and developed great friendships,” junior Molly Segner said.

After winning State last year in the Jazz category, this winter season, captains Ava Smithmier, Megan Olk, Lily Nederveld, Molly Segner, and Lauren Chevalier hope the team can do it again, and also place in the top three at State in Kick, which has never been done by the BSM Dance Team. To accomplish this, they are focusing on continuing to build chemistry and practicing hard—if the team is having fun, they believe it can lead to good results. “As cliché as it sounds, it worked, and so that strategy is something we have really tried to carry into this season,” senior Ava Smithmier said.

The team lost many seniors who contributed to the team last year. “We lost 3 seniors this year who were all great captains and dancers,” Smithmier said. However, new members to the team have made up for these losses, and the team is feeling confident in being able to achieve their goals this year. “Both the rookies and vets need to give 100% and be on the same page, or else the team dynamic doesn’t work. Every dancer has to be all in, all the time,” Segner said.

The competition this year, just like past years, is going to be tough. In preparation for this, during the regular winter season their practice schedule is extremely demanding. The team 2.5 hour practices Monday through Friday, and typically 4 hours on Saturday. In the off season, they participate in weight training with Coach Creer and many of the girls dance at studios.  

As the season moves along, the girls will continue to work hard in practice. Because of their commitment and devotion, combined with the team’s strong leadership and friendships, the team is hoping for successful results throughout the whole season, and when State comes around in February. “We have so many exciting things in store for us this season, and I can’t wait to show everybody what we have been working so hard on,” Smithmier said.