The Blue Brigade dancers went into competition season not knowing what to expect.

This season would be the first for the newly formed group and Dance Director Kristi Smith knew there would be some growing pains along the way.

The dancers are an extension of the band program and performed at each band competition alongside the musicians and color guard during this season of varsity football.

Smith said the progress made by the dancers has been extraordinary with the routines looking much cleaner as the season ended when compared to the start of practices.

“I wish I had videos from the beginning of the year from where we were compared to where we are now so they could see the improvement we’ve had. It’s amazing really,” Smith said.

As an extension of the band, when the group would travel to competitions the dancers would be under the same pressure as the musicians and color guard members to perform well in front of the judges.

None of the dancers had been to a band competition before, but that didn’t stop the group from performing well when the pressure was on.

“They received a one at competition, which is the highest grade you can receive. It was really great since this is the first year,” Smith said.

With band’s competition season now ending, things are winding down for the dancers as well.

Smith said there are a few more events the group will take part in, such as the Civic Woman’s Club annual Christmas Parade and the band’s Christmas concert.

“The dancers will get a little feature during the performance and it’s the first year for that,” Smith said.

Smith said once the events are over the group will splinter as the girls move to focus on other organizations they’re involved in.

Due to the fact that the unit is attached to the band, when the musicians begin their transition to concert season there aren’t many opportunities for the dancers to perform.

Aside from a possible Mardi Gras parade at the elementary school and a senior parade, the dancers won’t regroup until tryouts are set to begin in March or April, but the exact timing won’t be determined until later.

There are only so many spaces with enough room to host a tryout for the squad and so facility availability will be the determining factor of when the tryouts take place.

Smith said the rapid progress of the dancers this year has her hopeful for the future.

Not everyone will make the squad when tryouts roll around, but Smith said as long as the students who try out meet the criteria, they’ll be brought into the fold.

“We’re looking for girls who love this, want to be a part of this, have a positive attitude and have a lot of potential.”

“If we see potential we’re willing to work with you and want you to succeed,” Smith said.