Since a bright afternoon in April 2012, girls found their unique spot on the LPHS Poms dance team for 2012-13. With new head coach, Marlene Beatty, this group of dancers was sure to make an impact on our school.

The team has had three different coaches in the past four years. Coach Beatty decided to be part of the team because her daughter, senior Alyssa Beatty, has been dancing for LP since she was a freshman.

The team attended a National Dance Association camp at UCCS this past July, winning many prestigious awards. They made goody baskets for the firefighters of the Waldo Canyon Fire over the summer and donated money from their fundraisers to the Red Cross to help support the cause.

A tradition among the team is to pass around the spirit dog; an orange stuffed animal that is given out every week to a girl who has stood out among the rest. The recipient will sign the dog and pass it off the following week.

During this new season, the poms team has developed a new tradition as well. Every dance that they have performed this year was closed by a signature ending. The dancers yell, “LP, Rangers Out,” while doing a lasso motion. The coach and captains hope this tradition will stay on the team and leave a lasting impression from this season to many years to come.

Throughout the year, the usual dances presented by the team are typically constructed of sharp, fast motions, kick lines and some form of technique (ie. turns and leaps). The team has decided to conquer many other styles of dance this year, as well. They have performed hip hop, country, jazz-contemporary, and kick routines to express variation to their audience.

The team stays in shape with the help of technique captain Catherine Witt. She supports the team by encouraging them to exercise strength and stretching at practice daily.

Basketball captain Kayla Caves is in charge of creating choreography, keeping the girls attentive at games and helping to counsel the dancers through issues, whether at practice, school, or in their social lives.

“The highlight of my day is seeing all my team mates. I met so many new girls through poms and we have each other’s back on and off the dance floor, “Caves said.

With all of their new traditions and experiences, most of the dancers are hoping to return to the team next year, while welcoming many new girls as well. The Lewis- Palmer poms team plans on using their success to build the team each year to make an even larger impact on our school.