The danceline team at Wadena-Deer Creek High School is looking forward to performances and competitions this year with a mostly veteran squad.
Co-captain Alex Dickhaus said danceline is very different from cheerleading, though many people make that comparison.
"We compete against other teams, and there are also invites," Dickhaus said of the sport. "For cheerleading, it's like shorter cheers, and they're not as complicated. With danceline, you have so many skills you have to be able to do."
The girls learn basic skills and then build routines of about three minutes around those skills, Dickhaus said.
Senior co-captain Amber Hayes, who ran the danceline practice like a drill sergeant Friday afternoon, said the team is coming along. The girls are learning their skills, and the captains are working on picking the music and choreographing the routines for the season.
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"There are some girls that are obviously ready right now -- some girls that have the skills," said Hayes. "With others, it will take a little longer, because it's so much to learn."
Dickhaus said the outlook for the team this year is pretty positive.
"We don't have too many new girls," she said. "It's a little easier to have a better team when most of them have a couple of years of experience. Then there's more girls to help teach the new ones, too."
The practices began in late October, and the season runs until February.
WDC Rhythmette Danceline Schedule 2007-2008
(Dates are subject to change)
Dec. 14: Pelican Rapids (home)
Dec. 15: Fergus Falls Invite (away)
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Dec. 18: Pequot Lakes (home)
Dec. 20: Pine River Backus (away)
Jan. 5: Alexandria Invite (away)
Jan. 8: Frazee (home)
Jan. 12: Hawley Invite (away)
Jan. 19: Albany Invite (away)
Jan. 26: Rhythmette Review (home)
Feb. 2: Sections at Hawley (away)
