Stingerette senior captain Robyn Bradford represents SHS in All-State Dance Team.

Special to Beneath the Surface News

Robyn Bradford, senior captain of the Stingerettes, traveled to Houston last week to represent Stephenville High School as a member of the 2023 All-State Dance Team.

The team is part of the annual Texas Dance Educators Association Convention and is made up of dancers representing schools from across the state of Texas with only one student per school awarded All-State recognition.

“Being a part of the All-State dance team was so fun,” Bradford said. “Every dancer pushed each other to rise to the occasion. It was neat to be behind-the-scenes of a production for 240 people, I really learned a lot! Most of all I enjoyed making new friends who also love dance and leading their team like me."

All-State members must be an upperclassman and are expected to exemplify the highest qualities of a team leader as well as demonstrate proficiency in ballet, modern and jazz technique.

Dancers are also invited to apply for various scholarships awarded by TDEA.

The All-State dancers participate with their dance educator in an exciting three-day convention experience that includes dance workshops, leadership training and networking.

The All-State Dance Team experience culminates in a performance choreographed by TDEA’s guest choreographer. This year’s routine was by master teacher Sarah Garcia and was inspired by TDEA’s convention theme "Make Your Mark."

Dancers learn and perfect this routine during the more than 15 hours of rehearsal while at the convention.

“I knew without a doubt Robyn would shine during the All-State week and am very proud of how well our second-year captain represented Stephenville,” Stingerettes director Kimberly Kelsey said. “It was wonderful to see her dance alongside so many other talented students in such a professionally coordinated presentation.”

You can enjoy the 2023 All-State Dance Team performance to "Let's Get Loud" by clicking here.