As the 2025-2026 basketball season comes to a close, the North Central Pantherettes bring the final hoorah for the season.
The Pantherettes are an NC dance team. The girls dance team can be seen performing both in the beginning of the school year for the football season, and finally in the winter for basketball season.
The group performs at halftime for both sports. While in the fall, the girls are dressed wearing sparkly red, white, and black dresses with pom poms. During the winter season, they are dressed in all black attire to switch things up from season to season.
In the fall the team dance style was constructed from jazz. This season, there is a shift in style as they perform hip-hop dances.
This year the team consists of many returning members, but plenty of new ones as well. One of them being junior Hsa Say.
“I grew up loving dance. The North Central Pantherettes dance team was a perfect opportunity to help me get involved in something I love,” Say said.
After being given the opportunity to be a part of the team, Say was determined to give it her all. Say believes that a supportive team is always the key to success.
“Without such a big group of supportive girls the team wouldn’t be the same,” Say said. “My teammates always have lots of energy and always make me laugh.”
Hearing the crowd shriek and cheer with joy plays a big part in the girls performance.
“Although I have only done one performance I love seeing the crowd get hype, I am definitely looking forward to our next,” Say said.
One of the Pantherettes biggest supporters is former teammate, sophomore Braelin Dowdell. Dowdell was featured in the group’s early football season but decided to take a break this winter season.
“Seeing the girls express their moves on the floor brought me joy. I loved seeing many of my friends and many new members joining the team this semester,” Dowdell said.
As Dowdell admired her friends from her seat she couldn’t wait to return back to dancing with her teammates in the fall. One of Dowdell’s former teammates is sophomore Evelyn Milata.
Milata has been a part of the group since the start of her high school career. She was inspired by those around her, one being her older sister.
“My sister was a Pantherette when she was in high school and seeing her dance made me want to try it myself,” Milata said.
As a dancer, Milata focuses on team bonding and getting along with everyone. Her main priority is based on progressing as a dancer and improving.
“I love spending time with my teammates and getting to know them better. I also love getting to dance and bettering myself as a dancer,” Milata said.
As the team continues practicing with one another they not only grow together as dancers but proceed to support one another.
“I would tell anyone joining the team not to be nervous. We all come from different dance backgrounds, so it’s just important you try your best and have fun! It is a very supportive and loving environment for everyone,” Milata said.
Although member Say has been a part of the team for less than a year she appreciates the way her teammates and coaches work together and practice to be better dancers for the next performance.
“I think anyone who has the passion to dance should give something like our dance team a try because it’s fun and I enjoy working with this group of girls,” Say said.
As the girls continue their winter season they have many more exciting performances to come. With the amazing support the girls have for one another they are set on becoming the best dancers they can be.
