The Golden Graces ended their 2020-2021 year with their spring show on April 29 and 30. The theme of the show was Mamma Mia, which included dances to hit songs from the musical. In the show, dancers performed their contest routine as well as their new routines which featured dance styles from jazz, hip-hop, contemporary and lyrical.
“From the first practice we had in August, to the last morning practice we had the day of our spring show, my heart has been filled with joy and I made a million memories with my wonderful teammates and my two amazing directors,” senior Julie Serrano said.
The Golden Graces drill team was not the only one who performed in the showcase; dancers from the PHS dance Company and dance department, as well as the dance departments from White Oak Middle School and Woodridge Forest Middle school, performed as well.
The spring show ended with a special performance from the Porter High SWAT team and the Golden Graces performed their traditional high kick routine to the song “Last Dance.”
This year presented many challenges for the dancers. The directors and dancers feel lucky that they were able to compete this season and put on an annual end-of-year show.
“Going through a year of a pandemic was a challenge, but it made me recognize how blessed I was to have my team to rely on for fun, for advice, and for anything else I needed,” Serrano said.
“We are proud of the dancers and their ability to stay motivated and how they continued to work hard toward the show even with the constant changes and uncertainties that this year has brought to us all,” assistant director Ms. Yolanda said. “From football season to now, the Graces continue to rise above all the challenges this year has brought and I count myself lucky to be a part of it all. I know these girls will do great things and I can’t wait to be a witness to it all.”
This year there will be nine Golden Graces that will be graduating. The Graces seniors include: Olivia Jarrell, Mya Thomas, Paige Shaddix, Sarah Choudary, Kearstyn Gehrels, Courtney Flores, Madison Trejo, Julie Serrano, and Alyssa Salazar.
For these Graces, the end of the spring performance brought back many memories of former years and how much being on the team has taught them as they prepare to move on to a new chapter in their lives after high school.
“From the fun football games, dreaded early morning and after school practices, big wins at the competition, and now all the hard work and dedication going into spring show, it has been such an amazing experience,” senior Olivia Jarrel said. “After I graduate and move on to other things, this team will always be in the back of my mind.”
