By Rozlyn Williams
This is the second year In Motion is joining El Diamante cheer on the sidelines of home football games. They made some changes to further enhance their performances this year in not just sideline cheers/dances, but also halftime shows. One of these changes was during the summer the team held many practices (about 10) and even attended a dance camp at UCSB where they worked on skills, technique, and learned many new sidelines and dances.
With all of this extra practice and experience, both dance instructor (Meg Bettencourt) and 4-year team member, Lauren Pelayo, stated how the team as a whole feels a lot more prepared and ready to take on this new dance season.
Photo Credit: @eldiamantedance on Instagram
Both Lauren and Mrs. Bettencourt stated how the first home game went smoothly for both cheer and dance on the sidelines. “Since last year was In Motion’s first year being on the sidelines with Cheer Team, it was a little scary. However, this year is already off to a good start so I’m confident that this football season will be amazing,” stated Lauren Pelayo.
, In Motion feels really supported by the student section this year, saying that it motivates them to keep up an amazing performance. As for the future games, Mrs. Bettencourt says the team has a lot in store. She claims that the team is going to do their best to match the game themes whether it be through their dances, outfits, or music. Bettencourt is also really excited for Homecoming this year as she is inviting a special guest choreographer to create a special hip hop dance. Not only will In Motion be performing at the rest of the home games of the season working hard, but they will begin the competition season once the games have ended. Lauren has said she is most looking forward to competitions as “[they] won first place in Division Three last year, so they will be moving up to Division Two this year. [She is] confident that [they] will do well this year at competitions because [their] team works really well together and [she knows] that [they] can accomplish great things as a team.”
It’s wonderful to see the El Diamante In Motion dance team shining so brightly! Their dedication and hard work over the summer paid off with a strong start to the football season. I love hearing how supportive the student section is of their talents. In Motion is a fantastic representation of El Diamante’s school spirit and commitment to the arts. Keep up the phenomenal choreography and teamwork! Mrs Bettencourt has taught my dancer daughter and she does a great job. Wishing them continued success as they move up to Division Two this competition season – I have no doubt they will shine.