On Wed. April 8, the three-day audition process for the JV Warrior Pride dance team began. Warrior Pride contenders were required to perform across-the-floor progressions (six-step pirouettes and leaps) as well as a technique-based dance to “Geronimo” by Sheppard. The auditions were open to 8th graders through Juniors.

“The first day was a little overwhelming,” Melissa Wijono ‘18 said. “But I felt a lot better on the second day. “

Throughout the entire audition process, returning Warrior Pride members mentored the hopefuls.

“We were supposed to help them through the dance and what the audition process would be like,” Pride member Ramya Yedatore ‘17 said. “It was just for moral support.”

On the second day of auditions, the auditionees ran through a mock audition to prepare them for the official auditions on the following day. Finally, on Fri. April 30, the Warrior Pride contenders auditioned in front of a panel of judges including dance teachers and administration.

“It was extremely stressful because I hate auditions,” Asha Rao ‘17 said. “Auditions freak me out, but once the dance started, it was fun.”

The applicants were each assigned a number. They auditioned in groups of four at a time. While waiting for their group to be called, the Warrior Pride hopefuls practiced in the hall outside of the small gym.

“It was actually fun hanging out with my group members,” Wijono said. “I felt like I got to know them a lot better so it made me feel a little better about next year.”

That same night, the Warrior Pride hopefuls nervously refreshed the Warrior Pride website in hopes of viewing the list of new members. To the displeasure of the auditionees, the link to the document was not working.

“I actually couldn’t open the document,” Rao said. “So I was very much freaking out for a while, but then someone took a screenshot and it started going around.”

The following Monday, new members were officially inducted into Warrior Pride at a Pinning Ceremony. New members received pins to wear during the school day to display their achievement.

“[When I found out I made it] I was excited that I got into something that could challenge me,” Wijono said.

New members will be performing their audition dance during the Warrior Pride showcase titled “Extravaganza” on Thurs. April 23.

Here is a list of the new Warrior Pride members: