Freshman McKellan Caudell switched to join the twirl team after leaving Sterling Silver Dance this summer and joining Imperium Dance Company for different opportunities in dance.
Caudell has been dancing and twirling for 13 years.
”My mom used to twirl when she was younger so she signed me up,” Caudell said.
Twirl is a combination of dance and gymnastics where you have to control one to three batons at a time.
The SHS twirl team has been around since 2009, and the Sterling Silver Dance twirl and dance opportunities has been around since 1991.
Imperium Dance Company has allowed Caudell to pick her classes during the week and have choreography during Sundays. This way she can make time for Spartan Twirlers.
McKellan has been adapting to the team and is excited to continue performing. Her teammate, junior twirler Sierrah Markon, says she has a positive attitude in practice.
“She is born a natural leader and is a very kind person to be around,” Markon said.
Senior twirler Lila Gucinski has also witnessed her positive work ethic.
“I have known Mckellan since forever. She is very hardworking and a leader,” Gucinski said.
Whenever Cadell is anxious or nervous to perform in dance or in twirl she remembers that her mom, coaches, and teammates are always encouraging her.
“I usually will get really anxious when it’s competition season so I’ll usually talk to my mom or a coach or teammate and they usually help me out. I always tell myself to just do my best because that’s all I can do,” Caudell said.
This helps to calm her nerves and makes sure she is calm and collective at competitions.
She balances her time by picking classes at Imperium Dance Company that allow her to be able to make it to twirl practice.
“I try to keep a few days of my week open so that I can hangout with friends, go to school events or just rest from dancing and twirling. Sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming and I get anxious, however I just tell myself that everything is okay,” Caudell said.
The Spartan Twirlers, along with Caudell, worked to perfect their twirling routines for the homecoming game, homecoming parade, and additional home football games.
