Dance Like a Champion
The 2021-2022 Champion Charms will perform for the last time
During the State Competition on March 6th, the varisty and drill team competes their pom routine at the host site, Alamo Heights High School. (Varsity)
The Spring Show will be the last time the 2021-2022 team dances together. On Thursday, April 14, in the Champion High School auditorium, the Charms will conclude their spring 2022 competition season. The show will also feature performances by the Dance 1 students.
“It’s bittersweet, but it’ll be really fun,” said senior Lieutenant Ana Garcia-Bowles.
The team works all year to prepare for performances at pep rallies, football games, competitions and more.
“Practices vary throughout the year, but typically we practice in the morning all through first period,” said Garcia-Bowles. “Then one to two days after school, depending on what we have to work on. We also have practices on Saturdays and all throughout the summer.”
Coming out of competition season, the Charms remember why they love to perform.
As a freshman, it was really exciting to see everyone on the team be friends with each other, regardless of skill level and age.
— Ana Garcia-Bowles
“My favorite part about performing is the seconds before the music starts,” said sophomore Ella Stepan. “The team is out there in our beginning position; my mind is racing with last minute little reminders. Then the music starts and that’s all I focus on; the rest of the world melts away, and those two minutes are some of the best of my life.”
After a Saturday performance, the athletes will take the following Sunday off before returning the next Monday to continue their perpetual training.
“This team has been my life for 4 years, dance itself has been my life for 10 years, and it’s so surreal knowing it’s coming to an end so quickly,” said senior Social Officer Emma Apa.
Longtime charms dancers often reflect that the practices and the performances do more for them than improving their skills and flexibility.
“Charms has taught me patience and how to balance school and activities,” said junior Lieutenant Abigail Dell.
The end of the year is approaching with Spring Show as the end of a chapter for the seniors and the bond they created through their time on the team.
“I can’t wait to show what we have been working on and how much we have improved during this season,” said freshman SophieGrayce Shultz. “No matter how long I am on Charms, performing will never get old.”
Performing with the team for the last time will be very emotional. They are not just my friends, but they are my family. Dancing without them next year will not be the same
— senior and Colonel of the team, Madilyn Young
My name is Chloe Wallace and I am a sophomore here at Champion. This is my second year as a Varsity Charm, and I love reading and writing in my free time....
