By KIMBERLY STRENK , Contributor
For the last five years, the Majestics have consistently produced a high-impact, award-winning dance team under the leadership of director Kelly Mabry at Four Points Middle School. This season, two dances are particularly noteworthy: the Ghoomar and Lifeboat.
Eighth grade Majestic, Anna Zavelson known for her budding recording and acting career, was given a challenge by Mabry to compose an original song for the entire team to perform during this year’s competition season. Zavelson wrote, produced and recorded a lyrical song, “Lifeboat” which tells the story of what being a part of the Majestics has meant to her. The dance, choreographed by her teammates, also won several best-in-class awards this season.
The Ghoomar — a Bollywood-inspired novelty routine choreographed and styled by Sruthi Mohan, mother of one of the Majestic officers — was a huge crowd pleaser. The dance was performed by the Majestics’ team officers and earned several top awards.
The officers are a select group of dancers that are chosen for their dance, leadership and academic achievement. As a group they are challenged to help lead the 60- person dance team. This year’s officers are: Kate Cartwright, Emma Eslick, Abby Garrison, Kendall Ligon, Sloan Lindemann, Emerson Mader, Asritha Mohan, Jordan Mushthaler, Elle Quintos and Elke Strenk.
Majestics is a no-cut program so everyone who wants to dance, regardless of experience or aptitude can become a Majestic. The team competes in a wide range of dance styles including jazz, contemporary and lyrical to pom and novelty routines.
“Each Majestic knows she is representing the entire team with her exemplary conduct inside and outside of the dance room,” Mabry said. “While the rules and expectations are tough, we have a ton of fun, we respect each other and there is a zero-drama rule that keeps all of us in check and on page.”
Competition season began in January. Big events were Leander Dance Classic, Hill
Country Showcase, Solo and Ensemble Championships at Cedar Park HS, and the Hill Country Regional at New Braunfels HS. The Majestics’ season finale was at Austin Dance Classic hosted by the Legacies at Vandegrift on Feb. 24.
