There are many sports and teams offered at our school, and it takes dedication to make any of them. One of these is the award-winning McCullough Highland Girls, a precision dance team that is known throughout the district for being very good at what they do. But what does it take to be a part of this stellar organization?
Like every athletic group offered at McC, anyone wanting to be a Highland Girl has to go through tryouts. Applications must be filled out and turned into the director before a certain date to be eligible for joining the clinic. For two weeks after school, current sixth and seventh graders learn side-by-side the skills that will be used in the dances performed to judges later on. Applicants must attend the majority, if not all, of the days hosted. Along with showing how to thoroughly stretch, Highsteppers from the High School will be teaching basic kicks, a kick dance, and a jazz routine. Mock tryouts are held the second Friday, the day before the real thing, as a way to prepare you for performing in front of judges. Though it is too late to enter this year’s clinic, any incoming seventh-grade girls are welcome to try out this time next year.
Highland Girls are famous for their dance ability, but that isn’t all it takes to be one. I interviewed seventh-grader Mary Piana, a current member trying out for the 2024-2025 team, on her first tryout experience. She told me that it’s also about teamwork, learning to persevere, having a positive attitude, and doing your personal best at all times. When I asked her about the actual day of tryouts, she responded, “The morning of tryouts wasn’t as scary as I thought it would be. I got to hang out with other girls trying out and then put my best self forward for the judges.” She also recommends going to extra practice sessions offered around The Woodlands, like Traditions with Mrs. Jen or various skill classes at Boni’s Dance Studio, or at the very least, practicing at home. “I’d recommend practicing and stretching whenever possible to give yourself the best chance you can, and work on your splits.” Flexibility is a big part of the team, so it’s a huge help to go the extra mile before tryouts.
The McCullough Highland Girls are a spectacular example of many people coming together and putting work into an idea to make it happen. Being a part of this team is an amazing opportunity, so don’t give up on it. The tryouts may sound like a lot of work, but the reward for giving your all is well worth it.
