The Elkhorn North dance team has experienced significant growth throughout its past five years. The team has ranged from six in 2022 to 16 dancers in the upcoming 2025 season: 10 returners and six new dancers.
“It’s going to be different because we’re used to having a smaller team,” junior Cosette Kaminski said. “We’re used to having closer teams and a good dynamic.”
The size of dance teams varies between different schools. Elkhorn North has a relatively small team compared to some other schools, like Elkhorn South’s which has 24 girls. The number of dancers on a team has an impact when competing at competitions. Bigger teams may score better because of the visual appeal, but the smaller teams can find it easier to bond and make genuine connections.
“The size of our team will change, but our goals will remain the same,” coach Kelsey Hillman said. “We want to continue to build each other up as team members, and build a strong culture where each dancer grows.”
Dance season goes throughout almost the entire school year. In the fall, they are on the sidelines of football games and during winter they perform at pep rallies, competitions, and basketball games. In January, the team competes at nationals in Florida.
“You really should know how much of a time commitment it is, because usually during football season we’re always practicing or have a game,” sophomore Hannah Skudlarek said.
Tryouts for the following year are held in April, with new team practices beginning in the summer. Each year the dancers continue to develop and become more confident in their dancing and themselves.
“I like performing in front of the student section,” junior Loghan Evert said. “I like showing people what the dance team can do and showing school spirit.”
