VVettes Win At State

By TYRA LUDVIGSON

The Progress

Students from Virgin Valley High School came home with another State Championship last week. The school’s VVettes drill team competed in Dance Team Union’s Nevada State Competition, hosted at Basic Academy of International Studies on Saturday, February 25 and they won a state title in two different categories.

The competition started off with a solo division for both juniors and seniors. The VVettes proudly sent two seniors into the competition: Yadira Muro and Jayci Johnson. Muro danced to a Spanish song “Laromana” by Bad Bunny and El Alfa in a hiphop style. Muro chose to dance to a spanish song because she wanted to bring in a breath of fresh air.

“I definitely wanted to inspire the younger hispanic girls on the team because you never see stuff like that on the team,” Muro said. “I wanted to show them that it is okay to be different.”

Muro definitely touched the hearts of the younger dancers on the team. She placed 9th out of the total 20 dancers from all over Nevada.

Johnson, also a VVettes team captain, danced to a remix of “I Want to Dance With Somebody” by Whitney Houston. She said she has loved her experience on the drill team!
“Not only have I made life-long friendships, but I learned more about myself!” Johnson said. “I am so sad to leave this sisterhood. But I’m so glad I got to leave my mark!”

Following the solo division, the drill team performed in four different categories: military, jazz, pom, and hiphop.

The competion sorted the dancing by each category. Up first, all dancing groups performed their military style dance. Virgin Valley danced to an intense, drum-like beat with slick black and gold uniforms. The VVettes placed first in the 3A division for military style– earning them the first of many state titles.

After military, the drill girls danced to their jazz-style song “Halo” by Beyonce. The emotional mix touched the audience. The VVettes took second place in this category.

The drill team’s pom-pom dance was up next. The group danced to a blend of Pitbull songs. The uniform for this number consisted of sparkly Bulldog-green tops with shimmer black leggings. The girls danced their hearts out and earned yet another 1st place state title!

To finish off the team competition aspect, the drill teams danced to a final hiphop number. The VVettes took the stage in their all-white uniforms and performed to Andy Mineo’s “You can’t stop me.” Bursting with energy, the hiphop number was a crowd favorite. The VVettes were awarded third place in this category.

Captain Danztel Park commented about the drill team’s amazing title-winning performances saying, “Going to state has opened my eyes to the hard work it takes to win. Learning how to work hard started with our coaches. Having a good support system is key in having an awesome team! I’ll never forget that hardwork pays off!”

The hard work most definitely paid off for the VVette’s as they returned home to the customary fire truck and police escort parade reserved for state champions. The entire town hooted, hollered, and honked cheering the girls on as the team made its way up to Virgin Valley High School.
The VVette’s coaches were definitely proud of their team.

“This team danced their hearts out at the state competition,” said head coach Erica Garrett. “I am so proud of their hard work, dedication, and commitment to each other. They practice every morning at 5 am! That is not easy. Drill team is not easy. These athletes work hard!”

The VVettes would like to thank the school administration for their ongoing support, the students and student council who showed up in the cold, pouring rain to welcome them home, and to the Mesquite Fire Department and Police Department for the escort.

The VVettes will be performing in their annual Drill Review on Saturday, March 4, 6 pm in the new gym at Virgin Valley High School. Tickets for the performance are $5 and can be purchased at the door.