The Elite Team practices their contemporary piece "Whatcha Waiting for."

Within the Timber Creek dance department Mrs. Perry is assisting the Repertory Elite Dance Team in preparation for their countywide Dance Expos‎é. This festival of dance is hosted at the Dr. Phillips High School Performing Arts Center and will take place on November 5th at 6:00 pm. The performances are categorized based on dance ensemble size and choreographers, which include faculty, guest teachers, and student pieces. Awards are given within these categories for best choreography, costuming, and performance. The overall best performance is also determined. Judges adjudicate based on how creative, age appropriate, and dynamic a team’s choreography is along with their technique, energy, and stage presence.

The wolves are excited to present their three dance routines: lyrical piece “Silence,” contemporary “Whatcha Waiting For,” and jazz funk “Don’t Act Like You Forgot,” at the upcoming festival. Sophomore Colby Conner expressed his enthusiasm saying, “I’m really excited to attend it [the Dance Expos‎é], especially since it’s my first year being a part of a team like this at school.” After watching the TCHS performance last year he says, “I’m looking forward to see what the experience is like as a performer!” From new members to veterans, those on the Elite Team are very eager to show off their talent. Senior Ana Milens has been on the Elite Team for three years. Milens said, she “likes going back every year and seeing how much everyone has accomplished.” She is thrilled to return to the festival this time with new pieces.

The Elite Team itself is comprised of 19 dancers who, on average, have been dancing for approximately 8 years. These students are hand selected via audition by Mrs. Perry for her 7th period competition class. The Elite Team then auditioned for the All County Dance Expos‎é and 12 students were chosen to represent TCHS. Congratulations to Ana Milens, Alexis Zaldana, Colby Conner, Geovanna Garavelo-Bortoleto, Isabel Torres, Jazzy Bonny, Katelyn Wix, Kye Slider, Maddie Love, Mariel Torres, and Naida Velez-Sabat! After the Elite Team’s success last year receiving two excellent ratings and two superiors for their lyrical, contemporary, and jazz pieces, they focus on scoring even higher this year through hard work and dedication. Mrs. Perry is beyond excited for her students to perform for their ratings. She commented, “No matter what scores they end up receiving from the judges, I will be proud.  Their work ethic, dedication, and passion for dance is superior in my opinion.  As long as they perform their hearts out, which I know they will, they will excel.”

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The Elite Team practices their contemporary piece “Whatcha Waiting For.”

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The Elite Team practices for their upcoming Dance Expose.

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The Elite Team practices their jazz funk piece “Don’t Act Like You Forgot.”

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Senior Ana Milens is excited to attend the Dance Expose for her third year. She enjoyed seeing how Timber Creek along with the other Orange County schools grew over the years.

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The Elite Team practices their lyrical piece “Sound of Silence” in preparation for the All-County Dance Expose.

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Sophomore Colby Conner shares his thoughts on the upcoming Dance Expose.

All images were taken by Grace Murphy and processed using Snapseed.