Dance team set a new record this year by adding nine freshmen members to the team, and the team is larger than ever with 22 girls. The coach requested special permission from the school in order to have such a large team.

In 2010, six freshman joined the team which was the most that had ever been added. Just five girls were added in 2011.

This year, 2010’s record was shattered. Senior captain Kathryn Thompson said usually only three or four freshmen make the team, but this year these nine were too good to turn down.

“These girls bring a lot of fresh talent and they each have their strengths,” Thompson said.

It’s no secret that high school dance is intense, but these nine show no fear, Thompson said. All of these freshmen have performed before and are capable of handling the pressure. The girls have all danced studio and are used to competing at a high level, she said.

“They really know what they’re doing,” junior dance team member Claire Kramer said.

“When we’re dancing, you can’t tell a senior from a freshman.”

Adding so many new members to the team has its challenges. The freshmen all come from different studios around the city and each have their own style of dance, Kramer said.

“This year we have double the freshman we usually have so it’s difficult to blend all of the girls’ dancing into the same style,” Coach Shelli Vaughan said.

But having such a large team also comes with advantages, Vaughan said. With more girls on the team it provides opportunities for a variety of dynamic routines.

“Each freshman brings something different to the table. Some techniques the team has never seen before,” Kramer said.

During tryouts the girls are scored based upon skills such as technique, showmanship and flexibility, Vaughan said. She said these nine have what it takes and are fully prepared for competition.

“These freshmen are really talented,” Thompson said. “They all have something to give which pushes the older girls to keep up.”