By Emilee Mock
The HHS Tiger Paws Dance Team has had a successful year in recent competitions and performances. They recently won 1st place in kick, 1st place in Pom, Division Sweepstakes winner, and choreography and technique awards for kick at American All Stars. This past month, the team hosted an event at HHS where they recorded their National Competition performance. The team usually attends the competition in Orlando, FL, but this year it is virtual, so they submitted their performance via video. The gymnasium was filled with Tiger Paws supporters who cheered them on.
The girls also create and learn dance routines, memorize the routine, and then perform them at basketball and football games, high school pep-rallies, talent shows/fine art events, and also community events. The team recently performed at basketball games with their Dolly Parton-inspired routine. This year’s Tiger Paws consists of 10 girls: Julya McMinemon, Gabi McGuire, Payton Preuitt, Maggie Guyse, Olivia Counts, Rachel Lawson, Emma Jo Blaxton, Emma Buckley, Caroline Phillips, and Kayleen Coggin.
Tiger Paws captain Julya McMinemon joined the team 5 years ago and said it has been a huge blessing because she grew as not only a dancer but also as a person. She said, “I always love performing for the community because we have such a supportive one in Hartselle! I have gained some of the best memories and friendships that will surely last a lifetime.”
Senior Tiger Paw Payton Preuitt has been dancing for more than 10 years. She joined the team because she was able to represent her school while doing something she loved: dancing. She said, “I’m so glad I joined the team because I have created long-lasting memories that I will never forget! I’m so sad my journey with the Tiger Paws has come to an end, but I cannot wait to see their growth in the future!”
Gabi McGuire tried out for the team four years ago because she had never cheered or danced before and wanted to try something new. Now, she is sad to leave the team. She said, “I gained so many new friends and found something I love to do. It’s going to be hard to say goodbye but I know these friendships will last forever. I can’t wait to continue what I love to do in college!”
As for that future growth, the Tiger Paws recently held a team meeting for new team members. Caroline Phillips, a current 8th grader, is one of the younger members of the 2020-2021 team. Phillips said she joined the team because she loved dancing; it was a way to express her emotions and decompress. Like McMinemon and Prueitt, Phillips says her team members are a huge influence on why she enjoys the team.
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