Sidney Gonzalez and Cristal Rincon
Chronicle Reporters
Four team members from the official dance squad for the Los Angeles Clippers, The Spirit, came on campus yesterday, for a private event to celebrate dance and cheer among our dance guard and cheerleading team.
The dancers performed a short piece for the students, showcasing some of their choreography. They then participated in a meet and greet, where students were able to ask questions and receive autographs. Students asked about the dancer’s personal backgrounds in dance as well as their experience auditioning and joining the Clippers’ dance squad.
Members of dance guard and cheer were able to show off their skills after the Q&A, performing their own short pieces for the dancers, while receiving tips for how to improve. These ranged from refining their choreography to enhancing their presence on stage.
Students were surprised and content with this unexpected event. Beatriz Lopez, PAM senior and co-captain of Hollywood’s dance guard was very appreciative of this opportunity.
“I think dance guard has never had it’s time to be appreciated,” said Beatriz. ”Now I can think of dance as more of a profession than just for fun.”
Assistant Principal Furioso initiated the process to make this happen. He donated some of his own money, which was then used to fund the event. “We want to continue to emphasize the importance of arts at Hollywood High School and both dance guard and cheer are examples of artistic expression,” said Furioso. He wanted to give our students a chance to talk with professionals, especially some who came from communities like Hollywood that have succeeded in the industry.
The LA Clippers worked closely with our administration, and were very passionate about coming to support our students. “I hope they were able to see a possible future and that we could spark some joy,” said Kylie Montoya, one of the dancers.
