VHHS’s dance team has been very successful this season with their performances, placements and sportsmanship.

“All the athletes have been locked in since day one. Everyone is so motivated and supportive of each other. We have a positive energy in practice that I think helps keep spirits high while we are doing difficult cleaning of the routine,” Erin Shapiro, the dance team’s new head coach, said.

The dancers have given feedback and shared how this season has affected them, how they’ve worked together, and how they’ve changed this season compared to other seasons.

“I do think that the team’s work ethic is even stronger than in past years. Especially after finding so much success at the start of the season, we all know how good it feels to have a strong performance and have it pay off, which has kept us all striving to continue bettering ourselves, both for ourselves and our teammates,” Eden Block (12), one of the varsity dance team’s captains, said.

Block shared how the team sticks together and motivates each other through tough times. She explained how they lift each other up, encourage each other to strive to be a better team and work together to improve overall.

“We dance to the song ‘Bright Lights.’ We have been doing really well at competitions and made it to state by placing top 6 at sectionals,” Ella Mehta (11) said.

Mehta also shared that they improved in their jazz and lyrical styles; their routine is lyrical.

This team advanced all the way to state finals, finishing the season ranked 9th in the 2A division. They continued to work together to give their best performances.

“We have wonderful leadership on our team. Coaches have worked to create an environment where everyone feels their voice is heard and appreciated. We set goals, create a norm, and discuss our values at the start of the season,” Shapiro said.

According to coaches, the leadership and environment that the dancers and coaches have created has allowed the team to have more determination and strive to succeed.