The Eagle Lightning Dance Team has been working hard for the past seven months, dedicating hours to practicing, conditioning and perfecting their routines in preparation for competition season. The team performs in four categories: Military, Hip Hop, Dance and Pom. While the team alternates between Kick and Pom each year, this season marks an exciting return to Pom. The team practices two-four times a week starting at 5:45 a.m. and going to 7:15 a.m. These practices require discipline, commitment and teamwork, as team members arrive before the school day. 

“As my first competition I was scared at first, but it turned out to be really good and I am so proud of us,” said freshman Harper Borst. 

Idaho Summit was the first competition that the team competed at, taking place on Jan. 17. As their first time performing in front of judges, the team delivered strong and confident routines that reflected months of hard work and preparation. As awards start the team sits in a circle, holding hands and waiting to see how they placed.  

They called out Eagle first place for military, hip hop and dance and got second in pom. They were announced as Idaho Summit 6A Grand Champs. The dancers’ hard work paid off. 

“We had to work very hard these past months, but it was so worth it to get the results we got this competition,” said junior Birkle Smith. 

The team plans to take the judges’ feedback because the dancers are committed to coming back even stronger to the next competition. They will continue to practice with increased intensity and determination, pushing themselves to grow as a team. Through hard work, resilience and teamwork, the dancers are determined to transform feedback into progress and prove how much they have grown when they take the stage again.