DANCE TEAM

208.255.7105

100 CEDAR STREET, SUITE B SANDPOINT, IDAHO 83864

BLUELIZARDNATIVEGALLERY.COM

by JILLIAN CHANDLER

As a young girl, Katelyn Gass looked up to the girls in their beautiful uniforms on the field. She loved performing and playing characters! She recalls being “terrible” at every sport she was introduced to, but dance is where she shined. “I was enamored by how athletic art could truly be,” she says.

After graduating, Katelyn would have a wonderful opportunity of cheering for the Los Angeles Rams, opening up many doors and room to explore the professional dance and choreography world. Between 2018 and 2022, she spent time dancing and choreographing in Los Angeles and San Diego, and performing. Today, Sandpoint High School is elated to have Kate as its new dance coach!

“Growing up a dancer, you learn from various teachers, coaches and choreographers. I always admired specific instructors for different reasons—but the biggest was always the ‘ability to inspire,’” recalls Kate. “That is what drew me to coaching at Sandpoint High School. I truly strive to give these athletes and this program the love and attention it deserves!”

She admits that stepping in as a new coach, in a new area, was a bit daunting, but “the Sandpoint High School Dance Team members and families have been nothing but welcoming, generous and collaborative with me. The girls have been dedicated to their art, and I believe it will show in their performances!” Kate is honored and humbled by her new role to be able to share her experience, knowledge and creativity with the team! “I hope to expand on genres of dance, instill confidence and poise, while implementing a professional mindset. Dance is an ever-evolving world, and I was on the hunt for open-minded dancers that shared my fire for growing the program and showing support to all artists in the district,” she shares.

The dance team works hard to hone their skills, practicing 6 to 7:30am Monday through Friday, including extra technique classes on their own time! “The team has been putting copious amounts of attention into their strength, flexibility, skills, as well as personal bond with each other,” affirms Kate. “We spend our time on conditioning, learning various performance routines, and tackling competition season. I am extremely proud of the devotion and altruism the dancers showed me over the summer practices!”

This year’s dance team is eager to perform for you, showcase their spirit the best way they know how, to support all sports and be a part of as many school/community events as they possibly can.

SHS’s 2022-2023 Varsity Dance Team includes: seniors Maddison Coon (captain), Haleigh Knowles (captain), Mikah Little, Riley Adam; junior Lily Barker; sophomores Lena Krause, Isadora Ghilchrist, Noah Roark, Camille McClelland, Hannah Loomis; and freshman lle Heiss.