Tryouts underway for school dance team

With the start of the second year at Summerland Public School this week, there are a multitude of opportunities students can still be introduced to. Kelly Anson, of Ewing, hopes to share Summerland school spirit by forming the Dance Catz dance team.

Anson said she is “excited to offer this opportunity to students who share the love of dance and look forward to promoting school spirit.”

“I hope it brings out the best in each other, role models, new traditions, school spirit and camaraderie,” she said. “My memories of cheer, dance and school spirit are unforgettable; I want that for our kids and communities too.”

Auditions were scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 16 and Wednesday, Aug. 17.

This year, auditions were open to seventh grade through twelfth graders. Next year, it will change to eighth grade through senior year and by 2024-2025, the hope is to have just a high school dance team.

“We really need to start some traditions as Summerland and I think this group could help,” Anson said.

Auditions will be held each year. The 2022-23 Dance Catz try-out parent meeting was held last week. Anson will announce the team via email on Aug. 18. The exact number of members on the team will be determined by the natural break in try-out scores. For the next upcoming years, auditions will be held in the spring.

Anson explained that the membership in the organization will extend from try-outs to the end of the spring sports season, with the active dance season being during football and basketball seasons.

She has also been planning collaborations with the band for things like sidelines dances, the fight song and many more.

“The goal is for the team to perform at half-time performances, pep rallies camp and community events as needed; to promote unity and pride,” Anson said.

Preparation is already underway for upcoming fundraising ideas for the team to reach the communities and the Kitten Dance Camp is in the works as well.

“I anticipate a few learning curves and growing pains in the process, but we have to start somewhere and I couldn’t think of a reason to wait.”