By: Emerson Gaylord
People Editor
Kicking off the new season, the LGHS Girls’ Varsity Dance Team heads full force into the year, working with various choreographers, attending morning practices, and performing their first two routines. The squad is beyond excited to display all their hard work and talent to the school.
The team continues to work hard throughout the beginning of the season, spending multiple hours practicing and preparing their routines. On top of their regular rehearsals, LG dance has spent multiple weekends at Dance Camp, six-hour days dedicated to dance, displaying their commitment and grit towards the team.
Throughout the season, the squad also meets with numerous choreographers to learn different routines and experience new styles. The squad has already learned from two professional choreographers during their time at Dance Camp: Oscar Ortega-Hernandez and Nicole Hogg. Ortega-Hernandez has choreographed for multiple NBA and NFL dance teams, including the Golden State Warriors and Las Vegas Raiders. Additionally, Hogg trained at various institutions, such as Dance Academy USA, and has used her skills to choreograph a beautiful lyrical piece for the group. The dance team’s head coach, Annika Jackson, has arranged for more choreographers, Dr. Kayla Shabre and Leah Roga, to visit the high school team. Furthermore, Jackson added, “I have a few more [choreographers] up my sleeve for the rest of the year.”
With the 2026-27 season introducing new leaders, the dance team has selected three new captains, seniors Jase Drotar, Eliana Pollesch, and Olivia Florio. Although their leadership board, where every upperclassman is assigned a leadership role, is still being determined, these three girls continue to instruct and inspire the rest of the squad. The seniors create a welcoming environment for everyone where even the newest members feel as if they have known their teammates for a long time. Lila Vasudev, a freshman in the group, elaborated, “The team is able to bond a lot. I really like that we get ready together before the games. I think that we get to be together as a team during those times.”
This year, the squad will incorporate two brand new elements that they cannot wait to share with the rest of the Los Gatos High School: competitions and a showcase. This upcoming spring, the group will compete in three competitions. In fact, the dance team has volunteered for their final competition to be held at Los Gatos High School in the large gym on Feb. 20. Moreover, the squad plans to hold a showcase at the school where they will perform their various routines to friends and family. They hope to share these parts of dance with the rest of the school, allowing students to truly see the effort and dedication the team has placed into their routines.
The squad is absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to continue sharing their passion and talent with the entire school community, and they are eagerly anticipating another incredible season filled with growth, teamwork, and unforgettable performances.