Eyes on the Prize: Maine South High School Hawkettes

They have their eyes on the prize and will not let it out of their sights.

The 2017 Maine South High School Hawkettes dance team has a long legacy behind them. The team originated back in 1964 and has been bringing spirit to the school and the community since. They first competed at the UDA National Dance Team Championship in 2007 and are ready bring the energy to the national stage, yet again. These dancers will be competing in the Large Pom division bringing a very visual routine, but we should keep a sharp lookout for the Hawkettes in the High Kick division.

The Hawkettes show strength and flexibility in synchronized kicks. Photo by: Cheryl Breslin

This flexible group of dancers have placed within the top 8 for the last 9 years and brought home a championship in 2011. It has been a while since they’ve earned another infamous white jackets, nevertheless they are determined to give it their all! The high kick division always brings major excitement and intensity. The dancers are attempting to kick as high as possible, with precise synchronization and speed, and all while exuding creativity.

The Hawkettes are known for their high kick routines that bring rage and power. Head coach, Jackie Graney, tells us that the high kick routine will be different from years past.

This year, we found a song we just love that we feel sets us apart. It’s very emotional and we created a backstory to it focused on reaching our goals. We believe this “emotional intensity” is different than anything else in the field.

Coming in 2nd place for the last two years is major motivation to push the team’s limits. The dancers are kicking faster than ever, so they’ve incorporated ballet training into practices to remind them about brushing off of the floor and lengthening their lines.

Coach Graney says the team has grown stronger due to this push. They have brought technique to the forefront while maintaining their precision and unison.

They have their eyes on the prize and will not let it out of their sights.

Maine South High School Hawkettes pose for group photo after competition. Photo by: Graney

Get ready to see some half-team aerial cartwheels in both the high kick and pom routines from Maine South. The girls have been training and meeting goals all season long. The Hawkettes plan to amaze the audience.

Catie Martin is a senior and fourth year member of the Hawkettes dance team and believes her team will gain success because of focus and motivation. She says the moment she is waiting for is “hitting our ending pose, hearing the crowd cheer, and knowing that we performed to the best of our ability.”

By: Megan Miles

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