Song is an impressive sport that has been part of Aliso Niguel High School’s history for decades, and is committed to putting in the work to succeed. A blend of precision and athleticism, the Song program at Aliso Niguel consistently has built itself a reputation for its dedication and persistence. Every season, the team pushes itself into new adventures.
At the USA’s (United Spirit Association’s) national competition, there are multiple different divisions and levels, including Advanced, Intermediate and Novice. This year, Aliso’s Song team worked diligently, as they competed for the first time in the Advanced category on February 23 at the Anaheim Convention Center. The team was honored and motivated to take on the new challenge.
In the years before this season, the Song team had already made its mark on Aliso Niguel, with wins as back-to-back national champions in the Intermediate division. Their movement up to Advanced meant stronger competition, but the team welcomed the opportunity with smiles, ready to prove themselves on a grander scale.
With lots of energy and motivation, the team placed fourth out of fourteen teams in the Advanced division for their “Pom” routine, a feat the entire team was incredibly proud of, especially considering it was their first year in a higher competition level. For pom the routine was choreographed by Sydney Nava and McKennah Leigh.
Senior Anastacia Moore (12) says, “It’s honestly insane, especially because it’s our first year in Advanced. To place fourth at nationals was so fun, and super worth all the stress!”
The team performed to a fast-paced remix of Whitney Houston’s ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody” mixed with Coldplay’s ‘A Sky Full of Stars’, Abba’s ‘Dancing Queen’, Mr. C The Slide Man’s ‘Cha Cha Real Smooth’ and Carrie Underwood’s ‘The Champion’. The full routine was choreographed by Sydney Nava and McKenna Leigh.
Additionally, the Song team performed a “Jazz” routine, this one choreographed by Brittanee Roberts. In this category in Advanced, they did not place.
These memorable, less-than-five-minute routines hardly display the countless hours spent tirelessly behind the scenes. These dancers dedicate themselves to long hours after school and weekend practices to master and drive every detail to near perfection.
Merkh says of the team’s work ethic, “We train late hours and extra weekends to get here, which really pushes us but also makes us super close friends!”
Before stepping foot onto the competition’s floor, the team uses cheers to build confidence and courage. Some simple quotes the team uses to lock themselves in before a comp could include team favorites such as “Leave it all on the floor, no regrets!” and “Good, better, best!”
Merkh says that, “The cheers are super fun and silly, but they get everyone really locked into the competition.”
Merkh comments that, as a senior on the team, the experience has been incredibly rewarding. Merkh agrees that she has spent her time well and enjoys practices, knowing that her teammates help her keep her head up.
“Our work ethic is just unmatched. I am always so inspired by my teammates to be my best self.”
With their outstanding performances at national competitions and their willingness to be put into difficult situations in a higher division, the Aliso Niguel Song team continues to emphasize the teamwork and spirit that keep the program strong.
