Hastings Tigerettes dance team. Photo Courtesy of Addi Clark.
The Hastings Tigers Dance team has focused this season on establishing clear standards and reducing distractions within the program.
Senior Captains Addison Clark and Alivia Thom identified culture as a priority entering the year, placing emphasis on accountability, consistency, and team unity as the group prepared for competition.
According to team leadership, the goal was to create a more unified environment that would support daily practices and performances throughout the season.
“In previous years, we have never been as close as the team has been this year. So, making that a priority was critical to our team environment,’’ Addison (Addi) Clark said.
Clark and Thom worked to communicate expectations and reinforce team standards during practices and events. Their responsibilities included leading by example, addressing team concerns, and supporting younger dancers as they adjusted to the program’s expectations.
“We really try to address things right away when we hear them. As captains, team unity was super important to us this year.” Clark said.
Hayden Steppuhn, a senior with multiple seasons of experience in the program, contributed to leadership efforts by helping enforce the expectations among the younger group. Steppuhn started this season injured but bounced back and has been working with the team to get ready for state.
“Once it was my senior year, the biggest change I wanted to make was how much we practice outside of dance,” Steppuhn said. “All of us seniors have made dance homework for everyone, so when we get to practice it’s pretty smooth.”
The team leaders’ new approach has already shown effects among newer members of the program. Freshman Lily Hays, Calista Harris, and Emalyn Hawes joined the team this season and were introduced to expectations early in their participation. Practices emphasized preparation, effort, and communication, providing structure for dancers new to the high school level.
“The [upperclassmen] have really set a good example for all of us,” Hays said. “They have high expectations for us, but that’s because they know we can do it. They also help with so much on the team without getting the recognition they deserve.”
For the freshmen, adapting to a new program required adjusting to practice schedules, performance standards, and team routines. According to team members, the team is very close and try to set the expectations early on.
“I love being on the team and especially a team that works this hard and is this close to each other. I knew this team would be good since the summer,” said Calista Harris.
Junior Angela Serrano has observed changes in team structure and expectations compared to previous seasons. With experience in the program, Serrano provided perspective on how leadership and standards have influenced daily practices and overall team organization.
“We have learned to motivate each other, “Serrano said. “The captains and seniors have played a great role in being honest and showing us what true commitment is.”
The team recently had a showcase, which allowed them to perform a routine they developed throughout the season. The event served as an opportunity for the team to demonstrate progress and prepare for upcoming competitions based on judge critiques.
“We knew it wouldn’t be perfect, but we wanted to be proud of our performance and show how hard we’ve worked so far.” Clark said.
As the season continues, the Tigerettes are preparing for the state dance competition scheduled in February. Practices remain focused on refinement, consistency, and meeting performance expectations.
“The showcase made us focus on weaknesses that will be taken care of. We plan to continue to help others grow and improve mindsets,” Serrano said.
According to team leadership, maintaining established unity standards remains a top priority as the postseason approaches.
“Drama is what breaks a team up,” Clark said. “Collaborating with coaches and my other captain was the best way to execute knocking down drama. With drama on the team, we don’t dance like a team, and it shows through our performances, [so] we really put effort into making sure we act like a team because everyone has a role.”
