Belles can perform up to seven dances total at competition, depending on whether they’re in an ensemble group like Cadets (the hip hop team) or Honor Corps (the contemporary team), a dance officer or are doing a solo to try out for an officer position.
As a varsity member, this is Wong’s first year holding an officer position in Belles, on top of performing a solo.
“Being the Corporal of Honor Corps is a little scary because it’s really new to me,” Wong said. “But at Lanier, my middle school, I was drill captain, so I think I took some of my skills I learned from there into this role. This role is preparing you to be a dance officer next year, so I think I’m just trying to learn as much as I can.”
Wong isn’t the only new ensemble officer, since this is Jefferson’s first year being Co-Captain of Cadets as well. Officer roles differ across teams, but for Jefferson, one of the most important things is keeping her dancers motivated.
“Being positive is the most important thing, because I know with all this last minute changing and all these last minute practices, it’s become very frustrating,” Jefferson said. “Just being the type of officer to understand their frustration and just help them and guide them so they can feel like they won’t have an anxiety attack about not knowing a dance, or just making sure that they’re comfortable where they’re at, is what I do.”
Both the varsity and JV teams have multiple after school and lunch practices on top of regular morning practice. For Jefferson, competition day makes it all worth it.
“My favorite part about a competition would probably be watching other dances, and seeing what all the other schools have come up with,” Jefferson said. “I love being able to hype people up and wear our sweatshirts. I’m just proud to be a Belle.”
