Lights, choreography, dance! Palmetto’s premier dance programs, the Chattonettes and Variations, have been busy preparing for upcoming dance shows and competitions.
Palmetto’s Chattonettes attended the American Dance Association (ADA) regional competition on December 11 and won three “excellent” ratings in the jazz, modern and hip-hop dance categories, and brought home a coveted sweepstakes trophy.
“Being part of Chattonettes is awesome,” sophomore Melissa Ellenburg said. “We’ve all become very close and have become much more talented dancers.”
Practice for the team starts with about ten minutes of stretching and warm-ups, followed by practicing dance techniques. Then the Chattonettes prepare for the next dance competition by working on their competitive dances.
“Chattonettes is great because I love to dance and the team is awesome,” junior Anthony Jenkins said. “It’s a great way to compete with other schools’ dancers.”
Over the weekend of January 22, the Chattonettes competed in the state tournament hosted by Florida International University. The team brought home numerous awards, including first place in the novelty dance category and two “excellent” ratings in the hip-hop and pop dance categories. The next competition for the team is the national tournament held in Orlando on March 5 and 6.
“We’ve had other schools tell us this is the best they have seen our team in years,” Chattonettes sponsor Jamie Morris said. “I’m really proud of them.”
After school every Tuesday and Thursday, Palmetto’s Variations team prepares for upcoming competitions and dance shows in the auditorium. Earlier this year, the Variations preformed in the school’s winter show, in which they did a Christmas dance that included a Rockette-style kick line.
Rossana Karpiak coaches the Variations and senior captain Summer Oliver leads the team.
“I’ve been a part of Variations since sophomore year,” Oliver said. “I’m honored to be captain and be able to teach the younger members of the team.”
The Variations team rehearses vigorously in preparation for their annual spring show at Palmetto, and their superintendent competition at Ferguson High in which the Variations will compete against other schools’ dance teams in the area.
Another event approaching for the team is a trip to Disney World on February 18, where they will perform at the Magic Kingdom and to enjoy the parks.
“I love Variations and can’t wait to go to Disney with the team,” junior Avery Cambridge said. “It’s been fun.”
