VVettes Show Their Stuff One More Time

By TYRA LUDVIGSON

The Progress

The Virgin Valley High School State Champion VVettes drill team put on its annual Revue performance on Saturday evening, March 4. The event was held in the VVHS gym and performed to an enthusiastic crowd.

During the event, the drill team showcased all of its most memorable dances from throughout the school year and gave a sweet fond farewell to the seniors on the team.

Vvettes Coach and evening emcee Erica Garrett kicked off the Revue with a warm welcome. Arianne Gardner then graced the audience with the singing of the national anthem.

Then the VVettes took the stage. They performed a total of nine of their best performances yet, including their two state title routines: a Pom dance to “Pitbull” and their military routine to “Wild.”

“My favorite dance from this season is our Pom routine ‘Pitbull’,” said freshman team member Camryn Lee. “It has so much energy and is so fun to perform! This season went by so fast! I can’t wait for the seasons ahead!”

VVHS seniors Yadira Muro and Jayci Johnson were both featured soloists on the program. Muro danced a hip-hop style dance to “La Romana”- a performance that placed at the state competition. Johnson danced a lyrical jazz style to the song “Great One.”

The program would not have been complete without the additions from Rhythm Dance Company, BeBrave Athletics, the Hughes Middle School Hawkettes, VVHS Cheer, the Mesquite Toes, and the “Dudettes.”

The Dudettes, consisting of the drill team’s dates and escorts for the evening, briefly stole the show with their hip hop routine “Sexy and I Know It.” The boys served with their amazing dance moves including “the griddy,” the booty shake, and their killer kick-line.
“It was super fun!” said Dudette Sam Woods. “Dancing is way harder than I thought!”

Following the Dudettes, the senior drill team girls danced to “To Build a Home” as their senior number. This dance was choreographed by Jayci Johnson, Yadira Muro, Dantzel Park, Emma Houston, Dakota Hafen, Brynn Tedford, and Zoajaynna Rich. This touching number left a lot of the team in bittersweet tears.

“Drill team is the best experience I’ve ever had.” said VVHS senior Emma Houston. “I wish I could do it all again, but now that it’s over, it will forever be one of my greatest memories.”
“I’ve learned so much these past four years,” said senior captain Jayci Johnson. “And it’s all because of each individual teammate and coach. You guys have been amazing, and I’m so proud of everyone! I’m forever grateful to be a member of this drill team. Once a VVette, always a VVette!”

The seniors have definitely left their mark on the younger members of the drill team, said sophomore co-captain Asia Cannon.
“Not only do I have an amazing team, I got 21 new sisters,” Cannon said. “Words can not describe how lucky and proud I am of my VVettes. Even though it was hard having early morning practices and tough days, I can easily say it is all worth it!”

The night came to a close with the drill team’s final dance, a ballroom routine to “The Greatest Show” and “A Thousand Years.” The VVettes and their escorts waltzed the night away.
“The kids had a blast learning to waltz!” said coach Garrett.

Following the waltz, the coaches announced their end-of-the-year awards. The Miss Congeniality award went to sophomore Stella Woods. Performer of the year went to senior and co-captain Danztel Park. Most Improved went to freshman Annie Tobler. And overall VVette of the Year was awarded to senior and captain Jayci Johnson.

“Drill Revue was amazing this year! What a way to close out an incredible year for the VVetttes!” said Garrett. “We have received so much support from the community this year, and I would like to thank everyone who attended the Revue and participated and made it such a success.”

With seniors leaving, the team is now looking to the future as it hosts tryout clinics starting March 20 leading up to tryouts on March 23. There is also a parent meeting for all interested participants and their parents on March 9.