Dance Team Steps Into New Season

The Stevenson dance team is stepping into a new season, preparing for performances, athletic events, and competitions throughout the school year. As dancers learn new routines and adjust to the demands of another season, the team is focused on building skills while strengthening its sense of community.

The team plays an active role in the Stevenson community through performing at school assemblies and cheering on athletic teams from the sidelines. As the dancers prepare for competition season, they are focused on applying the skills and techniques they have developed throughout the fall. The upcoming competitions will give team members an opportunity to showcase their progress and perform together beyond the Stevenson campus.

According to dance team coach Jahnna De La Rosa, the team’s primary goal this season is to further develop technique, build confidence on stage and strengthen relationships among the dancers.

“Our goals center on supporting one another, leading by example, and approaching challenges with kindness,” De La Rosa says. “Each dancer brings something unique to the team, and we all have much to learn from one another.”

For many dancers, being part of the team is about more than simply mastering choreography. Members of the team join for different reasons, whether they have a background in dance or are looking for a new activity and an engaging way to connect with fellow students. 9th grader Nevaeh Monroe shares that her mission to try something new led her to join the dance team.

“I wanted to try something new and put myself in an uncomfortable situation that I knew could benefit me,” Monroe says.

For returning dancers, the team also provides an opportunity to build on skills and form new memories with their peers. 11th graders Sierra Averbuch and Serafina Buck have both spent several years on the team, developing their abilities while gaining experience through campus performances and travel competitions. Averbuch, who has been on the team since elementary school, recalls one of her favorite memories as being invited to nationals last year.

“It was really exciting to know that our hard work had paid off and that we had earned that recognition,” Averbuch says. “It made me really proud of how far we’d come as a team.”

Buck, who has been on the team since her 9th grade year, appreciates that her hard work and dedication to her sport can be recognized by judges. Last year, her solo performance earned her a scholarship and invitations to learn from experienced dancers and choreographers.

“For me, the most rewarding part of being on the team is seeing the judges acknowledge all of your hard work and give you opportunities because of it,” Buck says.

While practices can feel challenging and rigorous, dancers also have opportunities to grow individually. For Averbuch, one of the most rewarding parts of being on the team is recognizing her progress over time. 

“At the end of each year, I like to go back and watch previous routines and see how much my technique and movement quality have grown,” the junior dancer explains.

This season, the Pirates hope to continue to grow as a team, while continuing to perfect routines and become more involved in Stevenson events. For returning dancers like Averbuch, growth also means stepping outside of their comfort zone as a team and challenging themselves in new ways. The Pirates also look forward to competition season, where returners including Buck can help introduce newcomers to the competitive experience.

The team is scheduled to compete in several events during January and February 2027, some of which include the United Spirit Association Nor Cal State Competition in San Jose on Jan. 16 and the Celebration of the Stars competition at Lincoln High School in San Jose on Feb. 6.

De La Rosa notes that she looks forward to watching the dancers build their confidence and share their artistry with the community.

“One of my favorite moments is standing offstage or on the sidelines, watching them shine and connect with the audience,” the dance coach explains. “Seeing their hard work come to life is incredibly meaningful.”