This year’s Emerald Stars dance team is packed with talent and heart. They are performing for fans and preparing for dance competitions this year. 

   Dancing doesn’t only require dance moves but also spirit and positive energy. 

   “I feel I bring a lot of stage presence.” freshman Macey Heimsoth said.

   The performers joined the team not only for their love of dance, but also for the bonds and friendships they gain.

   “This team brings so much power and dancing with all my friends is really fun,” Heimsoth said. 

    Sophomore Bella Schwartz has been dancing for two years.

   “I bring a lot of positivity to the team,” Schwartz said.

   It is senior Tatum Bohl’s third year as captain of the Emerald Stars dance team.

    “I enjoy being captain of the dance team, and I am honored that all the girls trust me enough to be their leader. This season should be pretty good, we have a lot more dancers than the previous seasons,” Bohl said.

   “Tatum is a great leader, she is a good role model and someone to look up to,” sophomore Adele Anderson said.

   Coach Sarah Wright appreciates how her team is coming together this season, technically and socially.

   “The girls have been really working hard and have a good working relationship with each other. I think that really helps them to perform well together,” Wright said. 

   Coach Wright has been teaching dance for 23 years and at the high school for five. 

    “Right now we are working on choreographing our competition routines for this winter. We will present two dances, a pom routine and a hip hop routine. I am currently working out a schedule but we will do two regionals and state,” coach Sarah Wright said. 

      This summer, the Emerald Stars attended an NDA camp where they got to learn new moves and ways to improve their skill. They learned two dances in two days.

   Numerous dancers also came home with The Achievement Award, the Teamwork Award, the Spirit Stick, and several individual awards.

    Bohl and freshman Amelia Roberts were named All-American dancers at camp and Schwartz had an All-American nomination.

   Freshman Addison Hill and senior Maddie Lawrence got the showmanship award, Bohl earned a technique award, sophomore Adele Anderson earned the Pass It Forward Award and freshman Macy Heimsoth was awarded the Spirit Award.

   “I think we will do well. The girls are really working well together as a team, which I think will help them be more successful,” Wright said.