Huntington Highsteppers Plan Tryouts for New Members

May 15, 2023

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.

Huntington Highsteppers faculty advisor Kristiana Salerno.

An interest meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 17. Tryouts will be held for those currently in grades 8-11 on Monday and Tuesday, June 5-6 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. in the Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School gymnasium. Huntington High School special education teacher Kristina Salerno is the group’s faculty 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 at special events and compete in regional and national dance championships.

The year’s Highsteppers roster includes seniors Brooke Evans, Maria Sabatino (captain), Sophia Thompson (captain); juniors Adriana Abbatiello, Camilla D’Anna, Lea Devoe, Ariana James, Ava Tizzio (captain); sophomores Rosie Arner, Alyssa Evans; freshmen Kymora Dorvilus, Kyra Larsen; eighth graders Chloe Donovan and Jordyn Gross.

Late summer conditioning and practices kick-off 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.