Feature article

Cheer and dance teams will put on a show

Article by Tammy Lane
March 11, 2008

Students and audiences are looking forward to this weekend’s middle school Cheer and Dance Team Showcase. So what will the crowd be most anxious to see?
  “Hip hop has to be the most popular because those are the songs and dance moves that are popular with the youth these days. It’s what’s on the radio, what they dance to on their own time, and what the audience looks forward to and relates to,” said Kate Raitiere, who coaches the step team at Bryan Station Middle School.
  Saturday’s showcase, hosted by Henry Clay High School, will spotlight cheerleading squads in the morning and dance teams after lunch. Each will do a 2½ minute routine; however, step (a new dance category) will be allowed four minutes.
  “Step is becoming very popular in the district,” Raitiere said. “The more we get the step teams on TV, out at other events and at ballgames, the more support we get and the more teams are created at other schools in the district. Hopefully, eventually, every school will have a step team and a dance team.”
  Both the cheer and dance sessions also will include academic awards for students with at least a 3.0 GPA and the announcement of the all-spirit teams. The latter, chosen by the coaches, include one person from each squad who best represents such qualities as team spirit, leadership and cooperation with the coach.
  In addition, the dance division winners (hip-hop, jazz, pom and step) and a grand champion will take home trophies.
  “The showcase competition allows the students to have something to look forward to. Oftentimes the other step competitions or shows are cancelled due to lack of participants, weather or other reasons. Showcase is something they can count on,” Raitiere said.
  “It also gives them a level -- or rank -- in the district, so that if they win, they can have something to be proud about. Being first in the district is a BIG thing for them.”
  Judy Lowry, the cheerleading coach at Morton Middle School, described the showcase as an event “where you can show parents, teachers, friends and other cheer teams your strengths.”
  Some squads will present a full 2½-minute competitive routine, while others will just do a dance or a cheer.
  “I think you will see upbeat, jazzy routines this year,” Lowry said. “Modern music, lots of tumbling and difficult stunts should make this year’s showcase great!”
IF YOU GO
What: Middle School Cheer and Dance Team Showcase
When: Saturday March 15.
CHEER: Warm-ups at 8 a.m., academic awards at 9, performances from 9:45 to 11 a.m.
DANCE: Warm-ups at 12:30 p.m., academic awards at 1:15, competition from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in four divisions (hip-hop, jazz, pom and step).
Where: Henry Clay High School, 2100 Fontaine Road
All-day admission: $5 for adults, $3 for students
Bonus: Channel 13 will broadcast highlights throughout the summer.

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