Dance team leaps into the new season
The award winning Newbury Park High School Dance Team pranced into the new school year and they are excited for what this season has in offer for them. They glide into their next dance routine with precision and originality, looking forward to their next games. They are enthusiastic and ready to perform their best again on stage this year.
Ava Scott, freshman, joined the dance team because of her passion for dance. “It seemed like a really positive experience and I knew a good amount of people who were on the team,” Scott said. A recent football game against Moorpark allowed the dancers to perform their best out on the field. “I believe that was our cleanest halftime show and I definitely had a lot of fun hanging out with my friends,” Scott said. At their next game, Scott is looking forward to doing the routine that they will compete with two different high schools. When Scott feels down or stressed she feels dance is the best way to get her through her day. “[Dance] has helped me so much emotionally and physically. It is a great form of exercise and therapy as well. When I go to dance I put my whole mindset into the class,” Scott said. Although she has not done any competition yet this season, Scott looks forward to what the rest of the season has in store.”I am looking forward to doing more routines for competitions and for games,” Scott said.
Avary Hutchins, freshman, has been doing dance since she was 4-years-old. Hutchins was inspired to join the school dance team due to her passion and love for dance. “I have danced for a while so I really was passionate about trying to dance and getting to know everyone.” Hutchins is looking forward to what the new season may bring. “I am looking forward to starting this season off calmly and enjoying it because it will be our last game that we are performing,” Hutchins said.
Ella Caston, senior, has been on the team since she was a freshman. Caston is eager for her last upcoming game on the Dance Team. “This will be my last game and I get to spend it with my best friends on the team,” Caston said. She has been dancing since she was 3 and attended Thrive Dance Center. Performances inspired Caston to join the Dance Team. “Watching the winter concerts in middle school has really inspired me to try out for the team,” Caston said. Her experience on the team has been lively and she is happy to have supportive coaches and friends around her to help her. “I have met a lot of amazing people and we have the best coaches that support us. The team is like a second family to me,” Caston said.
Drew Caswell, senior, has been dancing for nine years. Caswell was inspired to join the dance team in hopes to further his experience in dance. During Caswell’s free time he enjoys choreographing and dancing to hip hop. “I mainly enjoy dancing to Hip Hop because it feels more natural to me and I am really looking forward to performing at the halftime show because I was able to choreograph the ending of the halftime dance,” Caswell said.
