NCHS dance team
by Christi Marsico
Dressed in warm-up suits, six high school girls, members of the 2007-08 Natrona High School dance team, were hanging in the hallway.
The teens were discussing the day's events and the hopes of upcoming tryouts for next season.
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Coming out of their second year, the dance team is comprised of five sophomores and one senior.
Ashley Straughan, Ciera Sivertson, Brittney Jenkins, Kadi Harnish and German exchange student Idenia Winking are going to be juniors while senior Amanda Straughan is graduating.
With Winking continuing her education in Germany next year and Amanda moving on, one thing is on the team members’ minds -- new recruits.
The team formed two years ago when coach Cheryl Straughan's daughters, Ashley and Amanda, had ambition to dance, to support their school and needed a new outlet to express it.
All members have dance backgrounds, but say they believe that if someone has a desire to dance, they should consider trying out for the team.
"I've grown up dancing, and it makes me feel good about myself," Ashley said. "I have hopes to go far with it like being a Dallas Cowboy cheerleader."
Kadi added she has the same Dallas Cowboy cheerleader ambition and enjoys being involved with her school, participating in something, in which she feels confident.
Incorporating athletics with school spirit, the members say their dance moves aid the cheerleaders’ efforts with more emphasis on performance.
"We are on the sidelines for games, and we go out for the beginning and support the teams by performing dance routines," Ciera noted.
Looking forward to next year's season, the group will dance at halftime at NCHS' basketball and football games and possibly Calvary games at the Casper Events Center.
The team placed seventh at the State Spirit Competition this year and received seven awards, including Judges’ Choice at the Spotlight Dance Cup in April.
The team performed a Broadway jazz dance routine to the song "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" for the state competition. The girls performed that same routine, as well as jazz routine to "Blast" for the Spotlight Dance Cup.
The members described the Broadway jazz routine as being just as technical as the jazz number, incorporating an acting emphasis along with flashy moves.
Offering advice for those interested in trying out for next year's team, dedication seemed to be a major factor, as well as a good attitude.
"We enjoy being around each other, and we've developed a close bond," Brittney said.
"Even if you aren't sure, check out the tryouts," Kadi advised other NCHS students.
Describing their experience on the dance team as "exciting," "wonderful," "fun" and "challenging," members are anxious for new dancers. They will offer their experience to help adjust to high school life, as well as forming a connection with their school.
In addition to adding new members, the members will challenge themselves at competitions by dancing to more jazz and hip hop oriented songs and look forward to a new year.
About the team
NCHS dance team information & tryouts for 2008-09 season
May 21 & 22 at NCHS auxiliary gymnasium from 4-5:30 p.m.
May 21 -- Info meeting will explain next year's season, as well as present a dance routine for tryouts
May 22 n tryouts
May 23 n Tryout results posted
For more information, contact Cheryl Straughan at 577-5195 or the NCHS activities office at 233-1530