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Belle tryouts challenging but worth it

 

 

                  By EVALYNN PEREZ, 12

 

 

 

It’s that time of the year again for all Belle hopefuls to show their passion for dance and try to make the team.

 

Ninety hopefuls came to tryouts in December and 61 girls made the team.

Belle tryouts are known to be rigorously challenging and the most nerve wrecking thing a girl at BA can do. A lot is expected during this week long process.

 

“I thought the tryouts were very challenging,” said sophomore Samantha Quevedo. “The most challenging part was learning the dance in such a short amount of time. Despite the injuries and fighting myself, I’m the happiest person for making Belles. I’m still in shock that I made it.”

 

The tryout process starts with the grade sheet. Grades count as half the points needed to begin with. The next varies from technique skills such as leaps, pirouettes, kicks and left and right leg splits.

 

“The hardest part for me was how nervous I was,” said Sophomore Vanessa Altamirano. “I hit my triple pirouettes perfectly at least twice the day before but the day of tryouts I couldn’t even hit one.”

 

The hopefuls are also scored on their appearance which includes full performance makeup, neat pulled back hair and the proper black attire. It is always expected to have a nice big smile and staying lifted to catch the judges’ attention. Looking presentable is the number 1 thing to being a Belle.

“I thought it was a good idea to make us look presentable for tryouts, that way the girls have a better understanding of how we would look for a performance,” said Samantha.

 

Although the audience doesn’t see the work the girls put in before performances, there’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes. The Belles wake up every day at 7 AM every day for practice and during football season the Cougar Mile is run every morning. There are also various practices with the band.

 

Being on the team brings a lot of positivity. The girls find a never ending bond between them, a sisterhood and friendships that last forever.

 

“It takes A LOT of work and time to be a part of the team! You have to be very dedicated and willing to always give it your all,” said Junior Beatriz.

 

12.19.14