As a new school year begins, everything that was once considered an abnormality over the summer falls back into place: football games, dances, rushing to make it to class on time after talking with friends. A big change that occurred over the summer was one that many people did not expect: the growth of the De Soto Diamonds Dance Team.
Whisperings fluttered along the bleachers of the main gym during the back-to-school assembly on Friday, August 16. The murmurs were variations of, “Wow, how did that happen?” or “They’re bigger than the cheer team!” So how did this alteration come to be? Head coach Brianne Samuelson explains the thought process behind the decision to add new additions to the team as opposed to the seven-member team last year.
“[Mrs.] Mages and I had a “Meet the Coach” and informational meeting prior to tryouts,” Samuelson said. “One of the questions a parent asked was how many dancers we expected to take on the team…we guessed we would take around twelve. Little did we know how much talent was coming into tryouts!”
In addition to incorporating an assortment of skills through new dancers, freshman Kylie Mall discusses the significance of team chemistry during practice and on the dance floor.
“It’s taught me that it’s another family to be with,” Mall said. “And it’s a good place to do team bonding and meet a lot of people.”
Having a larger group of dancers can add many benefits to the production and output of performances, but it can also be an adjustment to the collaboration and choreography required for the team. Junior Diamond Vivian Riss emphasizes her impact on the group in a positive light.
“I would say the growth really pushed me to be a leader with so many underclassmen,” Riss said. “I have had to help guide them, so I would say it is really pushing my leadership.”
On the flip side, learning to adapt to a sixteen-member team in a short summer has arisen as an unexpected challenge for some. Samuelson comments on these obstacles that have impelled her to make proactive decisions for the Diamonds more often.
“Coming in as a new coach to a program can be difficult by itself,” Samuelson said. “Every student is different and unique so navigating a team of sixteen dancers…has helped me learn, reminded me of my tools and knowledge I haven’t used recently, and has helped me develop and improve my coaching strategies!”
Despite the difficulties of coaching a dance squad with differing techniques and skill sets, it all amasses to bring about an opportunity for improvement and learning. Senior, and captain of the dance team, Brynlee Carson presents her view on how the team has assisted in her growth and development as a dancer.
“It’s kind of made me a better dancer,” Carson said. “…I’m now challenged by more people, not even as just a dancer, but being able to lead.”
Because dance can never be just about the stress or tribulations relative to modifying to a bigger bunch, a little bit of flare needs to be added to enhance the cooperation of the team as a whole and make the experience of performing with each other that much sweeter. Junior Tatum Wilson explains what she is excited for the most this season in regards to performing and competing.
“I am looking forward to performing our hip-hop dance at the homecoming assembly and also basketball season performances,” Wilson said.
Coach Samuelson also provides her input on her idea of extra dazzle and fun for this upcoming Diamond season.
“I am looking forward to watching the team bond and work together, creating a family and a legacy!” Samuelson said.
Despite the hardships that often come with regulation and accommodation to new people, the dance team for De Soto High School has proven that it has not swayed them and that they will continue to grow stronger together. The muttering and mumbling of the students asking about the growth of the team will no longer have to be questioned. Although there were once seven, nothing shines brighter than sixteen diamonds.
