Competing all year round—summer, fall and winter—Lake Oswego High School’s dance team is gearing up for yet another promising season, with hopes to top last year’s stellar state-winning performance. Known for their impressive track record, the team took first place at every competition in Oregon last year and secured a strong fifth place in the Pom division at nationals. This week, on Nov. 23, they will be back on the dance floor against Reynolds High School, determined to defend their winning reputation. 

“Competitions are super fun,” says sophomore Lexi Nelsen. “We spend the whole day being able to bond with each other and grow as a team.” For the Lakers, competitions are about more than the trophies and medals—they’re about the camaraderie, laughter and coordination that goes beyond the dance floor. Nelsen adds, “The dance team is a family and we are all sisters. It gives everyone the opportunity to grow as a person and a dancer, and I am so fortunate to be part of such an amazing community.” 

For there to be a great community, there must be great leaders. This year, there are three team captains: Makenna Hammond, Addie Heyer and Josee Zagacki, who are all seniors this year. Hammond shares, “We’ve danced together for, I don’t know how many years now. Since elementary school. So, we have known each other for a long time, and we have similar ways of dancing. I think it’s really good that the three of us have such a tight bond to lead the team.” The three work together to lead the team and ensure their success in competitions. 

When spooky season creeps around, the LOHS dance team does a performance called Thriller. This fun Halloween dance is a tradition that involves the dancers wearing costumes. The theme is usually zombies or scary characters. Josee Zagacki says, “Our coach, now, made it up when she was in highschool, so they’ve been doing it for 22 years.” Thrillers have been around for a long time, and many costumes have been passed down as well. It’s a tradition that Lakers appreciate and love. 

Last year, the team was undefeated in the state of Oregon, but the Lakers hope to top this by keeping their winning streak and aiming for a higher ranking in nationals. “We’re shooting for the state title. It’s big, we’re very ambitious, but I think we can do it.” says Hammond. The dancers are starting to choreograph and prepare for nationals in February and state in March. During practice, each member pushes themselves even harder than the last. The team has met many challenges in their dancing career, but they stay consistent and continue to overcome. Whether it was just coming out of the Covid pandemic or having difficulties meeting up to practice during snow storms, the LOHS dance team pushed through.