Dance is a sequence of rhythmical movements and steps put together to form choreography. It can come in different forms such as hip-hop, contemporary, lyrical, ballet, and so much more. However, Olympia’s dance team is notorious for their spectacular hip- hop style performances. The team typically performs at sporting events like football games, as well as pep rallies, and dance showcases.
On May 15, 2025, Olympia hosted its annual auditions for the school’s dance team. Over 150 girls showed up, ready to give it their all. It was held in the dance room, where the students got to practice two dance sets. Then they perform them in front of the four judges, including the school’s dance teacher, Mrs. McGarvey.
Each contender was given a paper with a number. These papers were pinned to the shirts of each contestant, allowing everyone to be differentiated from one another. After a brief warm-up the contestants got into positions and began to learn each dance step by step. This allowed the judges to see how quickly the dancers learn their sequences and their skills in perfecting the moves on their own. This was the most difficult part. Moves were forgotten, rhythm was lost, sweat was trickling down their faces and yet these dedicated auditioners still had the motivation to keep going.
Although rewarding, the auditions took both a mental and a physical toll on the contenders who went and gave the contest their all. “I was so, so tired. Honestly the auditions were really hard. I’m so glad my hard work paid off in the end,” says sophomore Ana Martinez, who is a part of the Olympia Titanettes. Perseverance can indeed pay off when you try your best, as long as you have the right mind set.
“My experience was very, very tiring and challenging,” sophomore Titanettes dancer Jewelz Montanez exclaimed.
Although there were dozens of talented dancers competing for spots on the team unfortunately, many did not get in. Despite the disappointment these students seem to have taken it very well. “It was very stressful, tiring and overall overwhelming, but still fun at the same time. I would never do it again though,” sophomore Edianys Santiago stated. Exhaustion seemed to be the most common thing between all of the students; it shows that each one of them put in the effort and energy, working hard to succeed.
Sophomore Ramatoulaye Ndiaye had quite an impression of this experience. “It was definitely really grueling, but it was fun learning the dances and going through it with my friends!” Ndiaye exclaimed.
Building trust with your peers allows you to be a stronger group member, and reliability is what every team needs. That’s why auditions are necessary–they help the judges decide who would help benefit the group the most. For teams like dance and cheer, students with peppy spirits and confidence stand out the most. During auditions, the main thing the judges were looking for was confidence. Even when a mistake was made, they advised the dancers to keep going and not show insecurity. At the end of the day, no one is perfect. Confidence is key.
It is truly amazing to see how auditions brought the students together, as building
relationships, friendships, and bonds with one another is what being on a team is all about. It requires commitment to both your team and to yourself. The auditions showed that trust, respect, and communication are essentials to be a part of a strong team. “I was so excited when I found out I made the dance team, I felt like I had accomplished my goal, and it felt good. Even though practice is really hard some days, it’s all worth it and I’m excited for the upcoming showcase, as well as the pep rally,” Jewelz Montanez expressed. Nothing is better than feeling proud of yourself. We can only imagine the joy she felt when she received the news.
Unfortunately for some, there may have been some hardships along the way, but this doesn’t mean they shouldn’t try again— practice makes perfect. For many of the dancers, it was worth it in the end, no matter how much they wanted to give up, or lacked confidence. For them, it’s all about being yourself and trying your best. These auditions are what led to some great dancers receiving the opportunity to be on the team, giving them a chance to showcase their talents and moves in front of the entire school. Olympia’s team has had some impressive performances up until now and it’s exciting to see what they have prepared.
