Since 2002, the Seminole Dazzlers have been the Florida State Champions, holding the title for almost 21 years. This year they are determined to keep that record.
While competition can be nerve-racking, the dancers aren’t very worried. When asked if she was nervous about competing Mia Salazar, a 10th grade Dazzler, said: “Yes, but I have trust in my coaches and how they prepare us.”
The coaches play a big part in how well the dazzlers do and their effort shows in the dances.One way the coaches are preparing the dancers for competition is by having them do kicks across the floor every day.
“This helps to keep up the skills and build endurance,” says senior Dazzler Evghenie Laurnent.
The dancers have a very hard core schedule to make sure they are the best dancers they can be, practicing at school and after school. Although there is a lot of work to be put in “it is 100% worth it,” Salazar notes.
So what is it like to go to a competition? To perform in front of a large number of dancers, and show them the art you have worked so hard to put together?
The performance illustrates the effort the team and coaches put into the dance. h“We all get nervous because we care a lot about it, but it’s exciting because we’re so prepared and we worked so hard all season,” states Salazar.
Laurent’s favorite part of the competition is “hearing the applause when we finish and knowing how hard we worked to get up to that moment.” On the other hand Salazar favors “the bonding we get within our team.”
Competition brings so many dancers together, while they may be competing, off the dance floor they have chances for bonding.“We make so many friends when we go to competitions and dance camps.”
Winning the competition is not their only goal. Having fun, meeting new people, and overall enjoying themselves makes the efforts worth it.Competition gives dancers a place to meet other people who love dance just as much as them.
The Dazzlers do more than just dance on the sidelines of football games, they are an integral part of our SHS family.“It’s more than just dancing, we learn commitment, work ethic, and it helps us grow more as a person,” Salazar replied.
Watching the Dazzlers practice their routines, the amount of effort and connection they have is inspiring. It looks like this year they will be adding another year to their 21 year streak.