The Huntington Highsteppers are recruiting new members. Huntington High School’s competitive dance team is looking to replenish its ranks, which will soon see many longtime members say goodbye as they graduate and head off to college.
An interest meeting is set for May 18 at 3:30 p.m. in Room 201 at Huntington High School. Tryouts will be held for those currently in grades 8-11 on June 7-8 from 4-6 p.m. in the Huntington High School gym. Samantha Allen is the group’s advisor.
The Highsteppers are Huntington High School’s hip kick, pom and dance team. They entertain at halftime of football and basketball games, perform at the annual pep rally and compete in regional and national dance championships.
The year’s Highsteppers roster includes seniors Grace Colavecchio, Christina Drummings (captain), Naysa Escobar, Keira Francis, Victoria Mangan and Jillian LoTurco (captain); juniors Victoria Befumo (captain), Brooke Evans, Maria Sabatino and Sophia Thompson (captain); sophomores Adriana Abbatiello, Camilla D’Anna, Lea DeVoe, Ariana James, Kaitlyn Sansiviero and Ava Tizzio; and freshmen Rosie Arner and Alyssa Evans.
Late summer conditioning and practices kickoff the season, which runs through the national championships in Florida in February. Practices are typically held from 3-5 p.m. two days per week during the school year.
The Highsteppers’ halftime shows are always thrilling affairs. The performances highlight the exceptional dance skills and athleticism of the team members and never fail to elicit cheers from the crowd.
Competitions feature separate jazz, pom and team performance components. The group has gained a national reputation and has won many honors over the past decade.