The Vision Dance Company prepares itself for another season of performances and competitions. The dancers take the field with the band four afternoons a week to train for football game halftime shows, and ultimately strive toward the UIL State Marching Band Contest.
“I’m honestly really excited for what we are doing with our theme this year, ‘Gaia’s Embrace,’” junior Ashley Thompto said. “There are so many opportunities on Vision especially, and it’s going to be a great year.”
Vision and the band placed second last year at state with their show theme, “Chasing Infinity,” and first overall in 2023 with the theme, “Spotlight.”
“I chose to do another year in Vision because I love the community it provides for me, and it’s allowed me to build and grow lots of connections,” junior company leader Brooke Oatman said. “It allows me to grow not only as a dancer but also as a person.”
The team practices one afternoon in the football stadium and two afternoons on the band field weekly, along with shorter rehearsals before all football games and events.
“As a captain, my job is to facilitate rehearsals and run information and do my part to support the team,” senior captain Jackie Mendoza said. “I’m especially looking forward to this year because all the dancers are showing lots of potential and working really hard.”
The team is led by directors Katie Hopkins and Holly Lyons. Hopkins has also choreographed and instructed the Santa Clara Vanguard, a Drum Corps International group, since 2018.
“We work really hard as one big group, Vision and band, during our practices, which are after school and sometimes on weekends too,” Thompto said. “We work really hard to get this show done for our community.”
“Gaia’s Embrace” features a variety of visual elements, such as colorful swing flags, costumes, fit with coats, and ring props that transform into globes. These aspects contribute to the overall show score in the design category.
“In ‘Gaia’s Embrace,’ Vision gets some handheld rings that turn into globes that we get to dance with, and I love it,” junior Elise Leger-Sarver said. “The whole concept is very cool, and Vision is such a good way for me and my friends to express our love for dance.”
In addition to their competitions, Vision also performs at every football game, giving them regular opportunities to perform their show and stand tune dances.
“I am excited for this upcoming year because I feel it is a different kind of mood and dancing altogether,” Oatman said. “I am really excited to grow and improve with the new team.”
