BSM is known for its rich traditions, and at the center of all those traditions lies the BSM dance team, otherwise known as the Knightettes. They are not only one of the most successful programs in BSM sports history, with thirteen state championship titles, but they also bring energetic performances at halftime and during their famous boy girl dance at the pep fest, along with their dedication during their competitive winter season.
At a school filled with traditions, one of the biggest events is homecoming week. Activities include the boy’s volleyball game and the girl’s powderpuff football game. Lastly, the week concludes with one of its most exciting events, the homecoming pepfest. The Knightettes take up half the pep fest with their excitement and energy, getting the crowd ecstatic. “The homecoming thing is awesome. They do their fun fall dance. Organizing and providing choreography for the boy-girl dance is a great tradition that is not easy to do…so I think that’s one of their biggest contributions to the school to be able to do that,” English teacher Anne Marie Dominguez said.
The Knightettes perform in the fall at many BSM sports games, showing their dedication and love for the school and their classmates. “When the dance team is performing I make sure I can go to the game because I look forward to watching them dance and it makes all games more fun,” senior Sydney Katter said.
When the dance team is performing I make sure I can go to the game because I look forward to watching them dance and it makes all games more fun
— Sydney Katter
The Knightettes have played a special role at BSM for many years, and part of that is because of the dancer’s strong leadership qualities and their coaching staff. “I look up to the older girls, captains, and everyone who has a huge impact. The coaches are great role models, and they are great at building leaders,” freshman Daniela Johannson said.
During both practices and performances, the BSM Dance Team makes sure to always support one another. They do this mainly by cheering for one another. “When we are performing we all cheer for each other to do the best we can. So we will be running the dance and yell ‘Go Ellie,’” senior Natalie Best said.
The dance team works hard all year long which not only creates many long lasting memories, but also continues to build the winning reputation that BSM has built over the years. In 2022, the Knightettes took home the Class AA Jazz State Championship title, making it their thirteenth state championship. The confidence they portray in each other and themselves is what makes the team so special. “Winning state is a core memory, we worked so hard leading up to that. We were confident in our team and each other; we knew we had what it takes to win the state championship,” junior Ellie Shideman said.
The Knightettes have many dedicated dance team parents who understand the significance of the team to the school like no other. They see what the girls go through everyday, both in and out of practice. “I think the dance team represents BSM in a very positive way, a community that supports each other through thick and thin but most importantly just loves the school.” Laura Giertsen, mother to junior Molly Giertsen, said.
Laura Giertsen also cherishes the tradition of the “Red Sea”, a visual that shows the deep bond between not only the dancers but the close union that the parents have built over the years. The dedication and passion that these parents show for their children displays how much the dance team means to each and every one of them. “When you become a parent of the dance team they have a thing called the Sea of Red. The coach makes references to the sea of red and when you go to the competitions all the parents are dressed in red supporting the girls,” Laura Giertsen said.
Their long-lived legacy is continually lived on through tradition and unity. The Knightettes are not just a dance team but they are a symbol of what it means to be a Red Knight. “Having three children attend BSM, I have seen how special and important the dance team is to the school throughout the years. They truly are an amazing group of girls,” Laura Giertsen said.