Mystique Prepares for Nationals with Send-Off
Media by Jacob Robinson
Varsity Mystique performs their halftime routine at the MHS vs. Seckman districts game to support their team. “We love cheering and dancing for our Mustangs,” Allison Markus, head coach, said. “Ask any of the girls, their favorite thing is football games.”
Along the sidelines at every game, Mystique and cheer perform their routines in preparation for their end goal: Nationals.
MHS will host the three other Rockwood High Schools’ dance teams, at the annual Nationals Send-Off Showcase where spectators can watch for free on Sunday, Jan. 29 at 6pm. MHS along with Lafayette, Eureka and Rockwood Summit will attend the Universal Dance Association (UDA) National Dance Team Championship in Orlando, FL, Feb 1-6.
Mystique will perform their pom and jazz routines at Nationals, while Cheer will perform their traditional and gameday routines. Both teams will showcase these performances at the Send-Off on Sunday.
Kahley Sheen, senior, has been on Mystique since her freshman year. Sheen said this is only Mystique’s second year competing at this particular National competition, so the team is preparing to ramp up their performance level.
“The mindset is different this year,” Sheen said. “Now, we know what to expect and we’re more confident.”
The team has been preparing their pom and jazz routines all year, Sheen said.
“The Nationals Send-Off is kind of like our last big performance, and it gives us the chance to get our spirits and confidence back before we leave,” Sheen said.
We love cheering and dancing for our Mustangs. Ask any of the girls, their favorite thing is football games.
— Allison Markus
Sophia Reinhold, junior, said the team has been extremely close this year and is looking forward to attending the competition.
“It’s gonna be really fun,” Reinhold said. “We spend a week in Florida and we get to compete all together.”
Reinhold said the Send-Off is an opportunity for the teams to be in a comfortable environment, surrounded by friends, family and the Rockwood community, to practice and perform their routines.
Lauren Embeleton, senior, said the team also has to focus on their stamina going into Nationals. They have increased their weekly practices, as well as the number of times they run each routine.
“We just do the routines over and over again until they’re perfect,” Embleton said.
The final big practice of their routines is the Send-Off, as they implement their final touches and take the last step up toward competing.
“We’re providing a space for everyone to have a solid dress rehearsal before we all compete at Nationals,” Embleton said.
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Jacob Robinson, senior, is a Co-Sports Editor for the Marquette Messenger. This will be his second year on staff. He enjoys spending his free time taking...
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