LRHS Dance Team prepares for Football season

As the football season approaches, the dance team is finalizing routines and perfecting their sideline dances alongside the band. 

They showcased two different dances this past Friday, along with special quarter dances performed between the first and second quarters and the third and fourth quarters. They will also be preparing for their Homecoming performance.

It hasn’t always been smooth sailing. “[We] have to be able to manage [our] time really well with practices,” said Abby Coughlin, senior and manager of the dance team’s social media. “There’s just a lot to do and not enough time,” said Coughlin. However, they have made significant progress over the summer and feel confident in their routines.

Summer practices were particularly memorable, with the team engaging in themed days that added a fun twist to their rehearsals. “We had a neon day and a white lie day, which allowed us to dress up and create content for social media,” said Coughlin.

To stay motivated during lengthy rehearsals, the team incorporates breaks to keep themselves hydrated and to goof around, making sure that the atmosphere stays light and upbeat. 

Madeline Carpenter, senior, is a sideline choreographer who is working hard to enhance the overall game-day experience. “We work closely with the band, which sets us apart from cheer,” Carpenter said.

To remember their choreography, the dancers rely on repetition and drills, running through the routines multiple times. And relaxing rituals like listening to music and taking quiet time to do their hair and makeup help these dancers think clearly.

As the season unfolds, excitement is clear for the new quarterlies that the team introduced last year. “I’m excited to do that at almost every game now,” Carpenter said — making the anticipation for the upcoming games clear. Good luck to the LRHS Dance Team this season!