A Backstage Pass
By: Kate Curtis
Gallons of hairspray, thousands of rhinestones, the sparkly costumes. The work behind spirit squads is sometimes overlooked. We usually see the output, but rarely recognize the efforts that go behind the scenes. Here is a closer look- a backstage pass to the 2025 John Curtis Danceline competition season.
Competition Season
The 2025 Competition Season seems like a short-period of time, but the preparation starts way before. The John Curtis Danceline, being a full-year squad, has a long list of performances and places they have to be. Volleyball Games, Radio Shows, Mardi Gras Parades, Baseball Games, Football Games, Pep Rally's, and the list goes on. These are just a few of the events that go hand in hand with the girls' competition season. The Danceline starts preparing months before to gear up for their season. Preparation is very time consuming. Dancers give up their weekends, time after school, and even holiday breaks. While the rest of the student body is off for Christmas and New Years, the team works diligently to achieve success. The season is not only a physical battle, wearing down the dancers bodies, but also mental. Constantly running routines, creates an extra push for stamina and mental toughness. Throughout the season, Danceline encourages each other to work as a team, grow in perseverance, and push their bodies to their limit.
Basketball Games
The dance team uses basketball games to prepare for their competition season. They perform at halftime to showcase what they've worked on, and to try to simulate a similar atmosphere to state.
DTU
Dance Team Union- Regional Competition
This year the hard work of the John Curtis Danceline did not go unnoticed. The Team attended the DTU- Dance Team Union Regional Competition at Hahnville High School on January 11th, 2025, where they competed in two categories: Jazz category, and for the first time, Gameday category, other known as the "Spirit Showdown." Their dedication to put their best foot out there was clearly evident. For the first time in school history the squad became regional champions. At the competition the team came 1st in Large Varsity Jazz, beating schools twice their size, and 7th in gameday. This big win encouraged the team to keep pushing, and fueled their hunger to win at State.
Underclassmen celebrating their victory.
Seniors Hannah Pecot and Kate Curtis
Junior and Co-Captain, Bailey Couret
STATE
AAS- American all star Louisiana State dance/Drill Team Championship
Two weeks later the team competed at the Louisiana AAS State Dance Competition. They competed in Division I High School Gameday and Division I High School Jazz. Again, the team made history, breaking all stereotypes. The team received 1st place, and became state champs in Division I High School Gameday! This was a huge accomplishment considering the team had never once competed in the Gameday category. In the Gameday category teams are to show off their school spirit by performing an energized routine consisting of a sideline dance, fight song, cheers, and other showcases of their school's style! The John Curtis Danceline definitely represented their school proudly and earned their achievements. Additionally, the team received 2nd place and a technique award for the performance in Division I High School Jazz! Their dance showcased an instrumental piece to the song, "Torn," by Nathan Lanier. The John Curtis Dance Team, usually recognized as the underdog, came out as one of the top teams at this competition. The team received 5th Overall Highest Score in the High School Jazz Category, out of 18 teams, and became State Runner Ups with the 2nd Highest Score in the High School Gameday Category, out of 20 teams. The perseverance of these young ladies, has shown the strength and grit they have on and off the scenes. The continue to defy odds, and show the world that it doesn't matter how big or small of a school you are. The John Curtis Danceline had many goals this season but a really important one was to grow and be proud of what they've done. The girls can definitely attest to the growth throughout the competition season and be extremely proud of themselves, their team, and their school!
Interviews:
7th Grade
How would you rate your first ever state with the team and why?
"I would rate my first state a 10/10. It was amazing to dance with this team because it was so fun getting to make many new memories, and it was something I had dreamed of since I was little."
Do you have a good luck charms or any superstitions?
"One of my good luck charms or superstitions is doing handshakes with my friends before we go on. We did it every time and I think it worked!"
Describe the 2025 competition season in one word.
"Exciting!"
9th Grade
If you could go back in time this competition season would you do anything differently? If so, what?
"I would make sure I had rest to be even more energized for practices, and was constantly motivating up my team."
What is your favorite way to hype up and motivate the team?
"The best motivation is when our teammates yell encouragements throughout our routine to keep pushing. I also like 1 on 1 encouragement from each other."
Do you have a favorite memory from DTU?
"One of my best memories from DTU was when I saw Coach Kelli practically falling off the bleachers from cheering so hard for us. I also loved when we prayed right before our performance. It was a moment where everything kinda stopped and we were all focused."
11th Grade
Describe the 2025 competition season in one word.
"Successful!!"
How do you feel about the outcome of this year's season?
"It was amazing. We have
definitely made a name for
ourselves in the high school
dance world!"
Favorite Hype/Warm Up song for practice?
"My Way"- by Frank Sinatra
Assistant Coach
What was your reaction when the team placed first in the gameday division?
"Hard work pays off! I cried, shouted, "Way to Go, Patriots," hugged Coach Kellie, blew kisses, and motioned hearts with my hands to the team on the court!"
What was your favorite memory as a coach this competition season?
"My favorite memory, and one that will forever be treasured, was witnessing the complete team unity shine bright while performing at the girls' basketball game. The music cut off, and the whole team continued dancing in perfect unison as if the music was playing. Everyone chipped in and counted as needed and the team's unity radiated through each and every dancer and filled the bleachers with awe! I had goosebumps and was beyond proud as a coach!"
Head Coach
How do you feel about the outcome of this competition season?
"I feel incredibly proud of our dancers. They have grown so much this year and their hard work has truly paid off."
What would you say is the biggest goal for this year's competition season? Was it achieved?
"My biggest goal for the Danceline was to work harder as a team. They word hard and still have a fun time creating lifelong friendships and memories. That is always my goal each year and I am happy to say we have achieved that."
"But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” -2 Chronicles 15:7
Goodbye Competition Season... Until Next Year