Dance Troupe is hosting its annual Youth Dance Clinic for kids in grades one through eight today from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Every year, Dance Troupe leads nearly 100 participants in matching shirts and hair bows to assemble in front of the Black Hole and perform their newly perfected dance routines during varsity football’s halftime.  

At this three-hour clinic, the kids first learn a dance routine together and are then divided by grade so that each age group learns its own dance routine choreographed and taught by Dance Troupe members. Cece Canty (12) says she enjoys choreographing the all-clinic dance, which features simple and upbeat moves to make it easier for the young participants to master in just one night. 

 “I like that I get to be with all of the age groups instead of just being assigned to just one group,” Canty said. “I think it’s nice that I get to see the different levels.” 

Spanning all levels, Canty said the clinic is a great opportunity for prospective dance troupe members.

“It’s a no-pressure atmosphere,” Canty said. “So I think it’s a good opportunity for them to be able to experience [dance] to see if they want to do that in high school or if that’s not the route that they want to take.” 

Dance Troupe officer Emma Lam (11) said the clinic gives the team an opportunity to share its love for dance with potential future members. Lam, Canty and most members of the dance team had all attended the clinic before becoming a part of Dance Troupe in high school. 

“It inspires the younger dancers and hopefully it will excite them to join a high school dance team,” Lam said. “It plants the roots for the future of our program.” 

In addition to helping the kids improve their dancing skills, Canty said the clinic is also a great opportunity to show the fun side of dance beyond serious competition. 

“I think it’s very helpful for them to showcase not only their talent but just to show they’re having fun and that dancing is an amazing experience,” Canty said. “It’s not just about competition or being perfect when you’re performing.” 

After learning the routines, the whole clinic shares a pizza dinner together. Canty said she values the bonding experience that comes with teaching the kids. 

“The clinic is very important beyond just dance,” Canty said. “These kids are able to come in and meet other kids or even see familiar faces and get the chance to learn and grow in a judgement free place. The kids learn how to work with one another as well as learn how to communicate and hype each other up. Something I really like about [the clinic] is just being able to bond with everyone.” 

Lam said  many kids from the clinic go on to continue pursuing dance. 

 “I’ve seen a lot of them go into dance or seem to enjoy it more,” Lam said. “They also build friendships and they always have a really good time. I’ve also seen a bunch of them come back again from previous years and they’re always super excited.” 

Beyond facilitating the passion of dance in clinic attendees, the clinic also helps support Dance Troupe Members. Not being a CIF sport, Dance Troupe doesn’t receive funding from the school, so it has to seek it elsewhere. Canty said the fundraiser has been successful over the years, and contributes a substantial amount to the team’s funds. It helps pay for competition entry, traveling, choreography fees, team gear, and costumes. 

“We’re constantly having to think of new ways to get money,” Canty said. “We don’t get new things all the time, we have to reuse a lot of things, so I would say that’s a little bit difficult being self-funded. We’re not eligible to do as many things with dance because we can’t necessarily afford it.” 

Having attended the clinic before being in Dance Troupe, Canty says it’s a good reminder of how far she’s come and to appreciate her senior year. 

“Being a senior now on dance reminds me to really soak up every moment,” Canty said. “I will never get these special moments back with this amazing group of people. Especially having the mindset of everything being my ‘last one’ really makes me appreciate and enjoy it all to the fullest.”