Stepping Up

by Madeline Piazza, reporter

FAIRHOPE, Ala. — The brand new step team held their fourth practice in the FHS gym October 4, to prepare for next week’s pep rally. 

This traditional team performance involves synchronized movement, singing, speaking, chanting and drama. The team is led by the captain Laurel Gilbert.

“A group of my peers wanted to see something different at the pep rallies, so I went to the principal and he approved of a  step team. I have been working on developing it now for seven-eight months,” Gilbert said.

Gilbert was ambitious to start this club and with the help of Principal Jon Cardwell, this became possible.

“I want the audience to see a group of girls who came together to create one sound and one image,” Gilbert said.

To be cohesive, the group must exhibit excellent communication and chemistry with each other. The girls must have rhythm and talent but also must be willing to work together.

Each girl must realize that disagreements are normal on the team, and ultimately understand that they are all on the same team and work as one.

The team works hard to coordinate with each other’s moves and chants to create a synchronized dance that looks satisfying to the audience.

“The whole purpose of doing this is because some of these girls didn’t have very much confidence when they started stepping,” Gilbert said. “My goal is to definitely help them grow their confidence and be able to open their minds to the fact that they can do anything in life, and make their marks.”

Requirements to be on the team include: a 2.5 GPA, no disciplinary actions, openness to accept constructive criticism and in the end willingness to have fun.

Audiences should get ready to enjoy the connected synchronization and sounds of the FHS Step Team Friday, October 13, at the pep rally.