Rhinestones, sharp hits and national champions: the Klein Oak Strutters Dance Team prepares for their contest season while cheering on the basketball teams. Forty-three girls all keeping the legacy of Strutters alive through dance, emotion and positivity.
“Being a Strutter is being a part of a sisterhood,” sophomore Chloe Mai said. “You have all these sisters and new family around you to share the legacy of uplifting young minds with dance.”
Glittered and glamoured by sisterhood and high standards, the Strutter legacy is defined by teamwork, dedication, and a shared love for dance.
“The Strutter legacy is truly built around the team culture and the sacrifice it takes to be a part of a competitive team that is built on the shoulders of greatness before us,” Strutter coach Shelby Polansky said. “They are held to such a high standard by myself, the school and Strutter alumni, that they work together and hold each other accountable to uphold the legacy they love so much. The Strutter legacy is one of commitment, acceptance, hard work, perseverance, and the love of dance as a sport and an art form.”
Throughout the long and tiring practices the Strutters still find a way to motivate and keep the positivity striking through their sharp movements.
“I stay motivated by cheering on our team and being a good leader,” senior social officer Olivia Taylor said. “As a social officer, it’s one of our main goals to be the team motivators and keep each other’s spirits and confidence up.”
Encouraging a supportive environment fosters not only motivation but also a sense of unity within the group. This positive atmosphere lays the groundwork for personal growth and deeper involvement in the dance world.
“Being a dancer helps you grow from within and be more involved in the dance world,” Mai said. “You’re not only growing as a dancer but as someone who is willing to learn different styles of dance you can feel comfortable in as well.”
Although, being a Strutter doesn’t mean holding the title, but living up to the standards, morals, and character.
“A Strutter is someone who is reliable, respectful, kind, and a sister to others,” junior Isabella Espaillat said. “While being a Stutter makes a huge impact on me by my morals in life and it’s really shown me respect and confidence while being on the team.”
While the spirit of sisterhood connects every member, the foundation of the team is built on effort and determination. Being a Strutter requires more than precision- it’s about the strength and character each dancer brings to the line.
“Strutters has taught me to give 110% all the time which pushes us to our top potential,” Taylor said. “Being a part of the Strutters has taught me how to thrive amongst a huge group of girls and to be the best we all can be as a team.”
With these values at the core of the team, each new season brings opportunities for incoming dancers and seniors alike to shape the Strutters’ legacy, as they introduce fresh traditions and strengthen the sense of community within the group.
“A tradition that represents the Strutter legacy is our circle before every performance, in which we pray and say our chant,” Taylor said. “It unites us all and gives me chills every time.”
This sense of unity is further strengthened through shared dedication and the lasting bonds formed by working hard together, both in practice and on stage.
“A reminder of our bond goes back to last contest season as there were many hard practices but as a team we brought each other up and although it may be challenging the feeling of working for and with your team is unmatched,” Mai said.
The shared support creates an environment where everyone feels valued and a part of something special.
“We encourage unity by making sure everyone feels seen, heard, important, and a part of our Strutter family and sisterhood,” Polansky said. “The bond isn’t about dance ability. It is developed in how we respect and love each other for who we are and what we bring to our team.”
The dedication within the team is reflected not only in their strong bonds, but also in the significant time they commit to practice each week and throughout the summer.
“As Strutters we dance/practice for about sixteen hours a week from 2:40-5:30 pm,” senior lieutenant Amy Mora said. “For the summer we normally have to get around twenty-five to thirty summer hours.”
Although their dedication to Strutters is strong, the memories they create together will last a lifetime.
“My body is filled with joy and excitement getting to perform with my best friends one last time,” Taylor said. “But as the season continues I will cherish the memories I’ve made with my team forever.”
