It was Dec. 11, a huge day for students that wanted to audition for Legacies. Excitement and nervousness filled the air. Students had spent countless hours in their dance team prep class, hoping that they could gain a spot on such a prestigious team.
Dance team prep is a class for dancers willing to try out for Legacies. It is led by Alexa Olsen, the current assistant director and current Legacies officers. The class prepares students by ensuring they have the correct skills and knowledge for Legacy auditions, providing them with feedback and corrections. The class starts on Aug. 14 and ends on Dec. 20 – a couple days after the students know the audition results. The class helps students feel more confident and comfortable as they step into auditions.
“I absolutely love taking this class each week and love being surrounded by my friends,” freshman Ali Ibañez said. “I feel like I have improved a lot from taking the class, and it is especially helpful to get corrections from the teachers and Legacies officers. I love being around them because I know that they want what is best for us and challenge us to the highest of what we can do.”
Ibañez has danced competitively for seven years. She dances at Muv Dance and Fitness, a studio in Cedar Park. This year, she made the decision to try out for Legacies.
“I am trying out for Legacies because ever since I was little, I have always wanted to be one,” freshman Peyton Tran said. “I always thought it was so cool and have always been so inspired by them. They were the people that made me want to start dancing and eventually try out for the team.”
Legacy tryouts occur Dec. 11. Students will kick in groups of five, execute technique across the floor, and learn a contemporary and jazz combo. There are a limited number of spots on the team, so it is vital that students perform to the best of their ability.
“Being a member of Legacies has been one of my biggest dreams ever since I was little, and I enjoy attending the camps they have every summer and fall,” freshman Brooke King said. “It seems like such an honor to be a part of such a special team, and it has been a big goal for me. Dance team prep really goes into detail about techniques you need to know for Legacies and also since some of the teachers are on Legacies I really look up to them and their advice since they know exactly what you need to make the cut.”
Between early mornings and after-school practices along with performances, their schedule is very busy. The Legacies perform a half time routine at every varsity football game, including playoffs and attend three competitions a year where they compete against high schools in the Austin area. In addition, they take fun trips. Last year, they traveled to Disneyland as a team, and the year prior they went to Hawaii.
“The class starts out with cardio, stretches and strength training,” freshman Ainsley Godwin said. “We then move on to across-the-floor technique. This consists of turn, leap, and kick combinations. After that, we usually learn a fun combo that is taught by the Legacies. I love learning new combos each week, and we have learned combos to different styles like jazz, contemporary, kick, and hip hop. Overall, I love coming to dance team prep each week, and I feel like it enlightens my mood.”
Students learn a diversity of styles each day as they step into the class. The class starts with a three-week unit of technique and conditioning, then a two-week unit of a jazz and contemporary combo. In the weeks following, students practice the proper kick technique needed for Legacies, learning various combinations. Students will then learn their mock audition combo, leaving time for the Legacies and teachers to give them feedback and critics. Finally, they will rehearse for their audition combo, ensuring they feel comfortable with the choreography.
“The class has helped me achieve my goals by surrounding myself with my best friends each day, making the class fun and positive,” Tran said. “I really like the combos that we do in the class, and how we learn past routines that the Legacies have performed. I think it’s really cool how we get the opportunity to learn their archived routines.”
According to the class syllabus, the overall objectives of the class is to learn self-discipline, self-confidence, and dedication, and to increase flexibility, strength, balance and coordination along with rhythmic accuracy. In addition to this, dance team vocabulary will be developed as well as preparation for Legacy auditions which will occur in December.
“The class has really helped me prepare for auditions and Mrs. Olsen, the assistant director of Legacies, gives me corrections that help me improve my technique and dancing ability,” freshman Sophie Hodges said. “She is really motivating to be around, and I really enjoy it when she teaches.”
Olsen was a member of the world famous Kilgore College Rangerettes where she served as a Lieutenant on the 77th line.
“I love learning different dances with my friends and being taught by all the amazing teachers in the class,” King said. “I feel like I have really improved on my technique because of the class, and I feel so much more confident and prepared for Legacy auditions in December. Personally, I feel like making the decision to take this class has been one of the best decisions I have ever made, and I look forward to going each day.”
