On Monday, Feb. 5, the dance team Instagram started spontaneously posting again to everyone’s surprise saying that the dance team was coming back with a new coach, new tryouts and a whole lot more. Many people were very confused as to what was going to happen and who the new coach was.
A few days later on Feb. 8, an interest meeting for the new dance team took place where people interested could get their questions answered and meet the new coach. The new coach, Tracy Hecox, is experienced in dancing and team coaching because of her previous experiences before moving to Washington. “I grew up as a studio dancer and danced since I was two years old. I went to a performing arts high school which was a lot of my dance experience. I coached a team for almost four years, and I also danced in college before I tore my ACL and that’s when dance stopped for me as far as performing,” Hecox said.
Some of the information gathered at the meeting was the clinic dates every Wednesday from Feb. 21 until March 27, from 3:30-5 p.m. Auditions for the 2024-2025 school year will also be taking place at the end of May where students will perform a choreographed dance in the styles: pom, jazz, and hip-hop as well as any other important skills someone may possess. More information and details about these dates will come soon through the dance teams Instagram.
Junior, Mia Martinez who is a studio dancer and has shown interest in the dance team went to the first clinic and had a fun time. “I’m very excited that the team is starting up again. The coach is very committed to making this team something that can have more opportunities and recognition than in years past and I have very high hopes for the 24-25 season.”
Everyone has been wondering what the new dance team will look like in terms of performance and competitions and skill level on the team. The 2024-2025 dance team will be performing at pep-rally assemblies, football games, various community events and fundraisers to show school spirit. “The goal for the team is to create something that is successful and excellent and something that we can bring to competition and something to be proud of. I definitely want a competitive team. That is a big thing to me and just dancers that represent GP well,” Hecox said.