In the quiet before the performance, the Stars dance team moved across the stage, each step a blend of passion, hard work, and precision. As the spotlight shines, the audience prepares for a performance they will never forget.

After a full summer of dedication and meticulous planning, the highly accomplished Stars dance team is ready to take the stage for a season filled with awe-inspiring performances. This year, they bring audiences a theme that resonates beyond the surface: Life is Sweet. On the surface, the theme conjures images of candy and treats—symbols of joy. However, as Michelle Barth and Alina Mitchell, two team sponsors, explain, there is more to this production than meets the eye.

“It first kind of connects with candy and sweets,” Barth said. “But then also the sweet things in life that you get to experience, like falling in love and having a child.” 

With unmatched passion and grace, they transform the stage into a living testament to life’s hidden joys. The theme “Life is Sweet” has let Stars expand their variety of styles, honing their inner ability for hip-hop in a piece choreographed by Colonel Karis Friedman. Through their movements, they show that even amidst life’s challenges, there are always moments that sweeten the journey.

“Our kids just in general are incredibly creative,” Barth said. “Giving students a chance to share their ideas can make a big impact.”

A great contributor to the success of the Stars is the excellent communication within the team. The Stars dance team encourages the expression of ideas and the coaches utilize the feedback of the dancers when choreographing routines.

“We look at what is going to be the best for the entire team,” Mitchell said.

The team’s journey to bring Life is Sweet to the stage is not just a product of dedication, but also a testament to their collaborative spirit and creative synergy. The Stars are eagerly practicing for their performances this season, ready to win people’s hearts, step by step.