The Barstow dance team is back after COVID restrictions and shutdown.
The Barstow dance team is back this year after two years off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Knight Stars have six members, and their first practice was Thursday, October 14. The dancers this year are Elizabeth “Lizzie” Boyce (‘23), Kyanne Carlgren (‘24), Gillian Knaebel (‘22), Isabella “Izzi” Osman (‘24), Amara Patel (‘24), and Jayden Sampat (‘24).
“I like the community, and the coach always finds ways to make practice fun. I think everyone is gonna work hard and hopefully, we see great results.” said Patel (‘24).
The team has a new head coach this year, Krista Logan. She was a cheerleader for the Kansas City Comets cheerleader, an indoor soccer team in Independence, for three seasons. She then became a Kansas City Chiefs cheerleader for two seasons. Ms. Logan is currently a lawyer at a healthcare IT company.
The practices for the dance team happen before school on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:45 am to 8:15 am in the Varsity Gym. They also have a practice every other Friday from 7:00 am to 8:00 am to work on strength and conditioning. Their performances will be at basketball games, so be sure to cheer on the dance team as well.
“I am glad to be back and glad the dance team is back, and to have the experience to build up a new team,” Boyce (‘23) said.
Boyce (‘23) is the only veteran on the team this year; she was on the team for one year when she was a freshman. All of the sophomores have experience with outside dance teams. This year is Knaebel’s (‘22) first year on any dance team.
“I like the dance team. I think it’s gonna be really fun, we only have six people on the team, but I am really excited. I’ve done gymnastics for 11 years, so this is different, but I think it’s gonna be good,” Knabel (‘22) said.
The first event the dance team will perform at is the Winter Pep Assembly right here at Barstow. The Pep Assembly will be on December 3. The dance team has three total competitions this year, and the first one will be the KC Classic at Liberty High School on December 11. Everyone should go and support the team for their first competition this year.
“I’m so excited that we have a dance team this year and am excited to see where it goes.” Sampat (‘24) said.
While auditions for the dance team have already ended for this year, people will be able to try out next year. This year seems promising for the dance team so keep an eye out for their progression and cheer them on during their performances.
