Keep Movin’
Local Dance Squads Exemplify Team Spirit and Strong Work Ethic
Writer / Renee Larr
Photographer / Sam Zachrich
The Fishers Fusion Dance Team recently split into separate school teams, to create the Fishers Dance Team as well as the Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) varsity, junior varsity and junior high teams. The high school teams consist of dancers from each school in grades 9 through 12. The HSE Junior High Dance Team consists of dancers from all junior high and intermediate schools in grades 6 through 8.
“The first driving factor in splitting the teams up was so the dancers can represent their respective schools,” says Rachel Askins, HSE Dance Team representative. “This allows the girls to have a direct tie to their schools. The second driving factor was that they can now join the Indiana High School Dance Team Association. When we were a combined team, we couldn’t compete in Indiana. We would travel to other states to compete.”
The teams perform at various school functions including basketball and football games. They also participate in dance competitions throughout the state.
“We have found we’re rare in the sense that our teams compete jazz, hip-hop and pom,” says Sarah Tappendorf, HSE Dance Team coordinator. “Most schools do not compete in all three. We also have girls who compete in solo, duet or small group. These girls love competing and work hard all season long to perfect their routines.”
The season is long and takes a significant commitment from team members. Tryouts occur in May, with the season lasting from July to March. The coach and outgoing seniors put together a dance potential members must learn and then perform in front of the coaches. There are about eight to 16 spots available for each high school team. The number of spots varies at the junior high level.
Members practice two times per week for two hours at their respective schools. The teams collaborate with Dance Magic Performing Arts Center in Noblesville once per week in technique classes. The dancers have the opportunity to earn a varsity letter.
“Linda Rees is the owner of the studio and she’s been a great asset,” Askins says. “She works with them on refining their techniques and cleaning up their routines.”
Askins says the schools have been instrumental in the transition to separate teams.
“I’m a huge believer in being involved in your school and this is a great way for students to do that,” Tappendorf says. “It also makes these massive schools a lot smaller. This helps students find their place. These girls form very tight bonds being a part of a group.”
In the future, the program leaders hope the teams can find ways to connect with the community in philanthropic endeavors. Coaches include Katy Liddell for Fishers High School, Alexa Snow for HSE varsity, Miranda Brooks for HSE junior varsity, and Kinsey Browning and Katie Schlegel for HSE junior high.
For more information, follow the teams on Facebook and Instagram.
