The award-winning varsity dance team, commonly known as the Sapphires, are gearing up to hold auditions for next year’s team. Every year, auditions are open for dancers who are passionate and ready to represent the school. The Sapphires dance team perform at the football games, pep rallies, basketball games, and other school-related activities. They also participate in different competitions throughout the year.

 The Sapphires expect the members to be not only skilled with the dance techniques, but also have positive characteristics.

 “Having a positive character is very important because it makes us better dancers and it’s brings the team together,” junior Isabella Maldonado said.

 It is important to show school spirit in school-related events, such as sport, parades, pep rallies and dance showcases. This requires the Sapphires to always be positive toward their audience and represent the school and community proudly.

 “You have to have passion for dance and a great attitude,” Maldonado said.

Despite the improvements in techniques that can be made throughout the year, the memory could be extremely important.

 “Winning Grand Champs for two contests really was a memorable moment and I still remember being so proud of our wonderful team,” Maldonado said.

 The memory was treasurable, and the life lessons they learned as Sapphires can be especially helpful in their future.

 “Sapphires has taught me to be a team player, that hard work and discipline is extremely important, and that I can achieve the goals I set in mind,” Maldonado said.

 The positive and loving atmosphere within the organization had always been the motivation for students who love dancing and would like to be a part of the team to represent the school.

 “I think the most important thing about being a Sapphire is that you are representing the school and that you are part of such an amazing and prestigious organization that shouldn’t be taken for granted,” junior Martha Ruiz said. “The most important thing is that you get to experience being in such an amazing and respectable organization.”

 Being a team member could be a really great experience, and to achieve the goal, the dancers needed to be fully prepared both physically and mentally.

“I’ve been preparing myself for the audition by practicing all the skills that I have trouble with and I’ve mentally prepared myself to think positively and give it my best,” Ruiz said. “I’ve been working really hard this past few months on technique and just overall confidence in my dancing.”

 This year, the Sapphires dance team will hold the master class for auditions on Nov. 13-14. During the master class, the girls will learn the dance routine they will be performing in the audition. The actual audition will be held on Nov. 16.