Knightline tryouts are going to start on Tuesday, April 7 and last until April 9, in the big gym. Clinics will be held on April 7 and 8, from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Kelly Pierce is the new head coach of the Varsity Knightline team and has a lot of experience in dance.

“Well, I coached two years at St. Charles West, four years at Hollenbeck Middle School, I taught eight years at a dance studio and one year here,” Pierce said.

The girls trying out will need to know different types of leaps and turns; toe touches; right, center and middle splits; and double and triple pirouettes. The girls will also have to memorize a routine. Some girls have been preparing for tryouts by practicing their technique and stretching a lot.

“I am excited for the upcoming year and I’m ready to jump in and start practicing,” Pierce said.

Girls that were on Knightline last year suggested to the new girls trying out to smile, focus on what they are doing and be confident.

“Go in there thinking strong,” senior Heather Morgan said. “Positive and not negative.“

The Varsity team last year went to Lindbergh High School for state competition and Orlando, Florida for Nationals.

“We did good at our first competition for state,” freshman Katie Stepanek said, “and Nationals was a little more challenging.”

Knightline does some fundraisers throughout the year. Last year they did a Walk for Autism; they were also in the Octoberfest parade. Knightline performs at halftimes of football, basketball, and soccer games, and also at pep assemblies.

“All the parades and fundraisers we did were very exciting,” freshman Mallory Lusa said.

Some girls that were on Knightline last year said they would encourage girls to try out because it’s a lot of fun, girls that like to dance can do it for a whole school year and it’s a great experience to start off with if the girls want to be on a college team.

“[I would encourage girls to join the team] because of the friendships they make,” Pierce said. “ Dance is a good way to exercise and relieve stress.”