WRIGHT CITY – A 39-point blowout conference victory by the Wright City boys basketball team had the crowd in a near constant state of cheer during a home game late last month.

But the crowd’s loudest roar may have come when the hoopsters weren’t out on the floor.

That’s when the Wildcats dance team grabbed the spotlight and drew a rousing ovation after performing their high-energy, heart-pumping halftime hip hop routine.

“It was amazing,” senior dance team member Kristen Broyles said. “I think we all felt a sense of pride and honor getting that type of response.”

The new squad is co-coached by Taylor Dougan and Voni Jo Dunsworth and could also be considered a reincarnation of sorts.

Dougan, a 2011 alum, was part of Wright City’s original dance team, but said the program ended once their instructor left the district.

All 12 students who tried out for the 2019-20 squad made the cut and the duo expects the roster size to expand exponentially in the near future.

“I think there was a little apprehension initially,” Dunsworth said. “There were a lot of questions and the kids weren’t exactly sure how it was going to work. But it seems like some are jealous they missed out. Lately, all we’ve been hearing is: ‘Is it too late to join?’ and ‘I’m definitely coming out next year.’”

There was no apprehension on Broyles’ end though. This was an opportunity she’d been waiting to tap her way into for quite some time. The senior has always felt destined for dance.

“Being part of this is so cool that I almost wish I was a freshman again,” Broyles said. “I finally feel like I have my own thing. I tried color guard and it wasn’t really for me, but dancing definitely is. I’m self taught and have loved it ever since I could walk.”

Broyles and company perform at intermission during home basketball games. Their first showing was on Dec. 2 and the coaches concurred they’ve already noticed heaps of improvement within the past month.

“Everyone was so nervous at the first performance and you can see so much growth when you compare it to this one,” Dunsworth said. “The (team) looked good out there and you could tell they were having a lot of fun. Their energy and happiness is contagious.”

Dougan choreographs the moves and also encourages feedback from the dancers who perfect them at practice. The Wildcats have only put on their hip-hop act in front of a public audience, but that shouldn’t be the case for much longer.

Dougan revealed that a showtunes routine with more variety is on the horizon and a few other new dance experiments are in the works.

And while Wright City won’t do any competition style dance this year, it’s in the plans as the program continues to develop.

“We’re not quite there yet,” Dougan said. “Right now we’re focused on letting the kids shine where they are.”

Dougan said the most rewarding aspect of coaching has been watching team members gain confidence in their dancing abilities, but more importantly confidence in themselves.

“It’s all about the kids and getting them to grow,” she said. “Some of them have never danced before so they’re stepping out of their comfort zones to do this. That can be big for a young adult and can also help in the future.

“They love to dance and this provides them an opportunity to express themselves, so it’s been really nice to be a part of that.”