South to hold auditions for first dance team
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

When Holly Huart moved back to Buffalo after a 30-year absence, she enrolled her daughter at Williamsville South High School.

An inquisitive mother, she e-mailed South Principal Elvin Simmons about the color guard. She learned South doesn't have one. So she responded to the e-mail, asking about a dance team and received the same answer, along with a note saying if she wanted to form one, she was welcome to.

So she did.

A dancer and choreographer for several years, Huart said she wants the dance team to showcase the students' talents.

"We are blessed with a wealth of talented, dedicated dancers at South," she said.

She first learned this through doing publicity for the high school's musicals. While attending rehearsals, she watched the performers, in awe of their talent.

Last spring she started the process of forming the team, and word spread throughout the student population.

With auditions set to take place next week, Huart said she has heard from her daughter, Margo, and her friends that the students are excited about the team.

"We are going to cover a variety of genres and are looking for well-rounded dancers. The team is open to everybody," she said.

Freshman through seniors are welcome to audition. An informational meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 19 in the auditorium during which a packet and registration forms will be distributed, and the rules and program policies will be discussed. The meeting is for potential team members and their parents and is mandatory.

Try-out clinics will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 24-26 in South's auditorium. Dancers must attend two of the three clinics to be eligible to audition.

Auditions will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 27, also in the auditorium, and will be closed to the public.

"Dancers will be judged based on their ability to grasp choreographed routines, stage presence, technique and a positive attitude," Huart said, adding she estimates the team will have 12-16 dancers.

Those chosen for the team will perform at pep rallies, sporting and community events, and fundraisers. Routines will feature a variety of dance, including jazz, hip-hop and lyrical.

The team will not compete this year, Huart said, as she will focus on developing the new program.

Very few high schools in the area have dance teams.

"We look forward to assembling a quality dance team that would be the pride, not only of Williamsville South High School, but also of this great community as a whole," she said.

The team is in need of sponsors, as the expenses will be paid for entirely by donations. Team members will be involved in fundraising events throughout the year, and corporate sponsors are also sought.

For information or to make a donation, call 650-4065 or e-mail hollyhuart@aol.com.