The Jewels of Seven Lakes-The well-known Sapphires are the varsity dance team at Seven Lakes. The Sapphires are crucial to school spirit and pride, pumping up the crowd during varsity football games or pep rallies. They also represent the school through multiple competitions and performances, working tirelessly behind the scenes. Behind the scenes, countless hours of hard work and practice go into these presentations that the student body does not see.
Over the years, the Sapphires have accumulated multiple traditions that stand out and have stuck. These shape their identity and are a huge part of who they are. For example, one of the more heartwarming traditions is “Bucket Night,” when the girls’ parents decorate a bucket and collect touching letters from friends, family, and teachers. These traditions bring the team closer and foster pride.
“I think a lot of our traditions are purposeful in how they inspire and motivate the girls,” Coach Jennifer Willey said, “We don’t do things just for funsies. I think there’s always a purpose behind what we’re doing.”
While traditions are important to the dance team’s uniqueness, change is also constant. To improve each year, key aspects of their performances—such as themes, choreography, or music—are adjusted to be the best they can be. This balance between tradition and innovation keeps the Sapphires fresh and engaging.
“It’s not so much–we’re changing who we are, but we’re just trying to modernize and strengthen our choreography and our performance,” Willey said, “There’s a line that you don’t pass in choreography and we try to tiptoe on that line and be edgy, but we don’t want to be too far past that line.”
Specifically, this school year brings exciting updates. Coaches Jennifer Willey and Katelyn Dickerson are bringing modern choreography and dance to the Sapphires, incorporating a new contemporary style alongside traditional elements. This approach ensures the team remains current while holding onto its roots.
“We really try to stay true to who Sapphires are, but we’re also trying to bring the style into 2025,” Wiley said, “We’re trying to match a little bit more clean, polished, collegiate performance style versus cutesy dance style. I think that has been a shift last year and this year.”
Being on a team means building close relationships and bonds, but also learning to work together and bettering each other. Because of their shared experiences in countless football games, performances, and competitions, the Sapphires naturally became a close-knit group, fostering a special fondness for one another.
Head Manager Luna Castro noted that the community aspect contributes to increased responsibility and accountability. Being on a team means many tasks must get done or submitted, which makes team members more accountable and socially aware.
The girls commit to being a Sapphire not only to enhance their dance skills, but also to create life-long friendships and nostalgia. The bonds of sisterhood are the foundation of Sapphires, connecting them through hours of hard work and thrilling moments.
“I just love the memories,” Senior Lieutenant Sabella Hernandez said, “My old director always said you try out for the dance, but you stay for the memories. And I truly agree with that. You get so much more out of it than just being a good dancer.”
The dance team influences them in more ways than just developing physical skills. Being in a tight-knit community and sports team develops traits that will guide them throughout their lives, even after high school. The team develops the girls’ commitment, responsibility, and leadership.
“It’s just helped me grow in my persona and my leadership,” Hernandez said, “Like having the opportunity to be a lieutenant has helped me grow more comfortable talking to people that I’m not 100% super close with, and just like enhancing my leadership overall, as that’s something I’m expected to do every single day.”
Being a Sapphire not only gives the girls a passion but also shapes them as people.
“These kids are so fabulous,” Willey said, “They’re such hard workers. They’re kind, they’re genuine. We always tell the girls that we are growing young women. And we just happen to like to dance, and that’s what we do. But truly, we’re helping shape who they’ll be for the rest of their lives and teaching them life lessons they’ll take with them forever. And just the maturity, grace, kindness, and drive that our kids have. I’ve never seen it before.”
