The PHS Dance team is gearing up for the winter season, beginning their preparations. Alongside the PHS Cheer team, the squads are set to showcase their skills and compete at the upcoming State Spirit Competition.

“I am excited to see the girls perform at the State Spirit Competition,” Coach and 2nd-grade teacher Kelsi Koritnik. “All of the dancers on the team are very talented and fun to watch.”

This year, Coach Koritnik and the dance team have opted to participate in both jazz and hip-hop routines, showcasing their versatility across both categories. Additionally, they will be delivering various performances within the community and for the school. 

“All of the dancers on the team are very talented and fun to watch,” Coach Koritnik said. “I am excited for them to provide entertainment and showcase their skills for the school and community.”

During halftime of the Boys Varsity game at the first home match, the Dance Squad will be presenting their student-choreographed pom routine.

“I am most excited to perform our Pom routine because the PHS dance team has never done anything like it before,” senior Anna Smith said.  “I really believe we will surprise the school with our ability.”

To spark enthusiasm and interest in dance among the youth in Powell, the PHS Dance team is organizing a camp in February. specifically tailored for young dancers. This camp aims to provide them with the opportunity to learn essential skills and performance techniques.

“[Along with the camp] we will have a performance with the dancers that attend the camp,” Koritnik said. “We may also have a surprise performance with a surprise guest in February as well.”

The PHS Cheer team is gearing up for the State Spirit competition with two routines. They will be showcasing a game day routine as well as a co-ed stunt routine during the event.

“This year we are doing two routines,” coach Vicki Walsh said. “Every girl is working so hard and I can’t wait for them to perform the routines.”

Game Day is a routine that not only showcases the technical skills of leading a crowd but also emphasizes the team’s energy and strong connection with the audience. Through spirited cheers, synchronized movements, and engaging interactions, the Cheer Squads aim to involve the audience and demonstrate the spirit and the basics of cheerleading.

“Game day is really hard because it takes a lot of energy to stunt and dance and do all that while having a smile on your face,” Walsh said.

A high school co-ed stunt routine is a performance that involves a mix of acrobatics, strength, and teamwork. In this routine, male and female cheerleaders collaborate to execute a series of intricate stunts, tosses, and pyramids. The routine also features skills like jumps and dances along with a cheer.

“I have never done a stunt routine before,” junior cheerleader Kate Miller said. “ It has been really fun to learn the new stunts and start to see the vision come together.”