by Ava Morizio

In case you didn’t know, our school has a dance team! They represent the school by dancing at every home football and basketball game. They are also known for their fundraisers like bagel and sticker sales to  raise money for the team. They make up new dances for each game in about a week or so. The captains that are chosen each year are the ones that teach the choreography to everyone else and make the music mixes. They also pick the formations.

In the beginning of the  year, the dance team hosts a big hangout for the newcomers to bond with everyone. They have food and play games to get to know everyone. The dance team is very inclusive and everyone is friends with each other. The coach, Miss Sam, prioritizes that and takes pride in everyone feeling like they belong. She teaches the members about citizenship, pride, and strength to ensure that everyone gets along. They also have TP night the night of homecoming. They go around Oceanside to all the varsity football houses, and cover them in toilet paper. They host a hangout to take pictures, do face paint, and get ready to go on the bus. This happens from about 10pm-3am and it is so  fun to hangout with everyone. 

Every year, Miss Sam also picks two juniors to be fundraising captains. Their job is to take charge of the fundraisers and choose what to raise and who sells which item.

Dance team also hosts clinics. These clinics are for learning different choreography from different dance team members to help you improve.  These clinics take place before school starts for tryouts. Dance team also participates in the Variety Show every year. The captains make up a brand new dance for the Variety Show to present to everyone. During basketball season, the team also does a holiday-themed dance before Christmas. The team members all wear ugly holiday sweaters and, instead of regular music, they do a holiday mix. The dance team is a wonderful opportunity for you to meet new people and bond with your classmates.. If you are interested, you can try out at the beginning of the next school year.