The Chevals dance team worked hard the weeks before sections that were held on Feb. 6. They practiced every day to perfect their routines. They have had a lot of ups and downs dealing with injuries this season, but that did not stop them from giving it their all and showing what they have to bring to the stage.
This season has been a tough one with a lot of the dancers’ injuries. Cleaning the dances gets tough when so many people are out; the team perseveres through these challenges nonetheless. The last few practices the team focused on increasing their stamina and fine tuning sections of their dances to help them prepare for sections.
“Our focus on the team is just kind of looking at what areas we can improve versus the whole dance. What little sections, do we feel as a team we can make better,” head coach Kati Cheney explained.
Between having the pressure of sections and the regular stress that comes with being a high school student, the team captains take responsibility to communicate with the coaches the needs of the team. This allows for everyone to be on the same page so practices can run smoothly.
Team captain senior Abby Odebrecht explained that when she notices something is up with the team, or if she is having an issue, she will pull one of the coaches aside to address any drawbacks that may interfere with focus during practice.
When speaking with team member junior Mya Cheney about the cleanliness of the dances, she explained that both dances are clean with their kick being better at technicality, but “jazz is pretty good clean-wise, especially having that emotion.” She went on to explain how the emotion is anger, and they can really bring that energy when they are performing.
When the nerves get high the team captains try to bring a positive vibe backstage before they perform. When there is a full audience, plus judges, nerves are bound to rise. The team has one shot to show everything they got with a two minute dance.
Odebrecht explained that the team has a chant that they do every time before they perform. She also explained that they talk through things because she believes that being positive before a performance is really important.
Regardless of how the team did, the coaches hope that the girls can be proud of everything they have accomplished this season. The team has worked together to achieve their goals and has grown to become a family.
“I hope the girls have a mindset of just how far they’ve come,” Cheney said. The coaches hope the girls had fun at sections and just left everything out on stage.
With the positivity that the Chevals dance team has they were sure to light up the stage. With the hard work put in this season, along with persevering obstacles, the team took pride in showcasing their skills at sections. No matter the outcome at sections, the coaches hope the girls will be proud of everything they have worked towards. With their upbeat dances, they were bound to be showstoppers.
