The 2021-22 South Tama High School Dance team performs a routine during their showcase performance at the STC Roundhouse on March 1. – Photo courtesy of The Blue Crush

On March 1, 2022 the South Tama Dance Team turned the roundhouse into their stage by hosting an STC Dance Showcase.

At the Showcase, audience members were treated to a combination of new routines including solos, duets and trios from various members, as well as previously performed group dances from the dance season.

“I enjoyed the hype from the crowd,” junior dance team member Cassandra Klostermann said. “It was awesome to see so many classmates and new faces and voices there. We all put a lot of effort into this showcase and season, so it was great to see people who were there to support us.”

Junior Mollie Wobeter agreed, “We have improved so much that we look like a real dance team, and it was great to be able to show everyone the improvement.”

The dance team started again this fall after a hiatus due to COVID under new coach Kimi Benson. The team has 12 members and holds practices before school three days a week.

“My favorite part of this season was seeing the improvement and confidence in the group in their dancing and performing, but also in their attitudes and mindset,” Benson said. “The whole team is very involved in all the in’s and out’s of the program and that makes me so excited as a coach.”

Preparations for the dance showcase began after their final basketball halftime performance.

Dancers had the opportunity to choreograph their own routines with the guidance of Benson. Some choose to create group dances and one was even inspired by the reality tv show Dance Moms.

“Although we learned it in one day, we had a lot of energy in our performance,” junior Kelsey Culbertson said. “Kimi told us that she knew JoJo Siwa’s mom, so we are really hoping Abby Lee from Dance Moms will see it.”

As the dance team’s first season comes to a close with their showcase, the new season is just around the corner with dance tryouts that took place on March 22.

Editor’s Note: This article was published courtesy of the South Tama Blue Crush student newspaper.