Competitions are a big focus in sports. Teams not only grow and improve for next time, but create team bonding that can make lifelong friendships. The Dance team competed in the LIT dance and cheer championship run by Eastern High School athletics. Even with struggles this season, the Dance team bounced back placing 1st and 2nd in their competition.
Atherton’s Dance team has been a part of every football and basketball game since 2023. Coached by Katie Dougherty, who has many years of dance under her belt after dancing for Bellarmine University, creates most of the choreography for the team. The team practices occasionally in the concourse, practicing their dances for multiple games or competitions.
For each category the team won, there was a different choreography routine. Sticking with a routine was challenging for the team, they had to redo the choreography and formation numerous times. However, with determination the team gave it their all. Coach Katie Dougherty choreographed the pom routine which placed 2nd in their category. Her sister, Saturn Dougherty attends the Art Institute of Chicago who also dances. They choreographed their hip hop routine that ended up placing 1st in the competition.
Carly Hay (12) has been a part of the dance team since it started at Atherton. Hay is also a captain of the team. Winning multiple places in the competition before graduating was one of the highlights of the season for Hay.
“It was all worth it! We worked so hard and had been through so much and for my last time competing to be our first time winning was truly an amazing feeling,” Hay said.
Ella Hall (12) has also been a part of the team since 2023. Hall is one of the captains for the team as well, and expressed her excitement.
“It was unexpected, it was a new experience for the team because we haven’t placed that high,” Hall said.
With multiple delays of weather, choreography changes, or team struggles, the dance team proved teamwork goes a long way with determination and hard work. The team is ready for the upcoming season and ready to give it their all once again.
