By: Saya Alvares

People Editor

After a long and successful run, the 2023-2024 Los Gatos High School Varsity Dance Team’s football season has come to an end. The team performed 12 halftime dances and cheered at 13 games, a record number of halftime performances. For the first time in the team’s history, the dancers attended away games to support LG Football during their historic run, making appearances at St. Ignatius in San Francisco and San Jose City College for the CCS Division 1 Championship. The team ended its season with Los Gatos Football by traveling to Pasadena City College for the CIF Division 2-A State Championship, where they performed a halftime routine to Destiny’s Child’s Lose My Breath.

Throughout November and December, LGHS Dance practiced vigilantly to produce a routine for the upcoming football games, resulting in some extra early-morning practices starting as early as 6:30. Junior Halle Benjamin described the season as “Definitely the busiest season we’ve ever had, but easily the best. There were so many games and so many opportunities for new dances, I wouldn’t change it for the world.” 

When coach Annika Jackson announced the Dance Team’s performance for the state championship game in Pasadena on Tuesday before the Saturday game, the team rallied to prove their commitment and dedication to support LGHS. Some of the team traveled as early as Friday, while others worked with a bit tighter schedule. Junior and co-captain Tatum Johnstone juggled her intense club dance schedule, flying immediately to Pasadena and driving to the game. Other dance team members such as sophomores Chiara Browder, Avery Gaylord, and Zoe Aslan stayed the night in San Luis Obispo on Friday and made the 3-hour commute Saturday morning. 

LG Varsity Football sadly lost to Central Valley Christian, but the dance team cheered on the sidelines and performed during half, keeping the crowd engaged with unique chants and cheers. After the game, dance joined the football players for dinner consisting of Chick-fil-A, pizza, and peanut butter sandwiches. The next morning, the two teams met for breakfast in the hotel courtyard before parting ways and heading back to Los Gatos. Co-Captain Alyssa Webb commented, “It was so fun and so important to LG Dance to travel and support our football team, especially since they’ve worked so hard this year. The team bonding was incredible and while the result wasn’t ideal, it was still a great way to end a successful season.”

The team wants to thank coach Jackson, coach Kenneth Perroti, coach Mark Krail, and team mom Kari-Ann for making this opportunity possible for the dancers, and say a huge congratulations to the football team for their historic run this season. Looking forward to the winter season, LGHS Dance can be found at basketball games throughout their season, and at the Spring Semester Rally. Roll Cats!