Making the Cut- Katy ISD’s Dance and Drill Teams
Katy, Texas (September 3, 2015)
Through community involvement and hard work, Katy ISD drill teams take their training, passion, and camaraderie far beyond the 50-yard line
For any young woman in Katy ISD, drill team is synonymous with friendship, hard work, and the thrill of performing.“They will know what it feels like to win and lose, and they will know how to handle both with grace. They will have a true appreciation for dance as an art and what it takes to be a great performer,” says Rosey Fortenberry, dance teacher at Tompkins High School.
Written by Shetye Cypher | Photography by Anetrius Wallace
In Sync with the Community
Joining the dance team at a Katy ISD high school is great for the girls’ sense of community involvement as well. “[The Cinco Ranch Cougar] Stars have a great love and respect for their team, school, and community and are always volunteering to help the elementary schools out with events,” says Samantha Cockerham, dance teacher at Cinco Ranch High School. For example, every year they host a Kick-a-Thon event to raise money for the Ballard House.
the Tigers often advance to the state playoffs
Potential and Heart
Because good form and technique cannot be learned overnight, drill team is something every girl needs to be prepared for. The best way for your teen to get ready is to sign up for drill team and dance workshops whenever possible. It also helps to know what the judges look for.
“I look for potential and heart. The judges look for dancers with good performance quality and potential,” says Taylor High School (THS) dance teacher Darby Boyd, who has a BFA in dance performance from Southern Methodist University. Elise Nicknish, THS junior, who has been dancing for 13 years
adds, “Don’t be afraid to be yourself and let your personality shine through your dancing.”
If you aren’t a dancing veteran, don’t feel discouraged. Anyone who truly wants to dance and gives the effort will get their shot. “We work hard with students that have an innate ability and natural talent for dancing that have not had any formal training,” says Cockerham.
Perfecting the Steps
During the regular season, teams from every school in Katy ISD perform choreographed halftime routines for football and basketball games, pep rallies, and community events. In order to be performance-ready for so many venues and appearances, drill teams practice for hours each day, in order to perfect routines.
Center Stage Spotlight
When the season for performing at halftime is over, the real work starts. Competition season is fierce, fast-paced, and a serious time commitment, so parents should be prepared. “Parents should expect their student to be very busy. We also need them to reinforce the importance of managing and organizing their time, because dance is a year-round activity,”says Fortenberry.
The teams travel to various competitions throughout the state and sometimes the nation, vying for titles in different categories and often performing multiple routines a day. But the travel, training, and long days spent with teammates eventually build bonds that will last a lifetime. According to
Seven Lakes High School senior, Sarah-Kate Fowler, being a part of the drill team has given her something special. “I have gained irreplaceable friendships from being a part of the Seven Lakes High School Sapphires. Seeing familiar faces all around the school and having a sense of belonging is
something I will always cherish.”
SHETYE CYPHER is a freelance writer who is also the journalism teacher and publications adviser at Tompkins High School.
