During the week of April 25, dancers auditioned in front in front on a panel of dance teachers–Ms. Chris Scadina, Ms. Dana Brett, and Mr. Danial George–in order to receive placements for the 2016-17 school year. After about two weeks, results were posted on Monday, May 9, by the rehearsal hall.

During auditions for regular dance classes, students go “across the floor,” demonstrating their ability to execute turns, leaps, and other combinations. Those trying out for the Convertibles dance team, however, must fill out certain forms and attend special after-school auditions.

This year, Lincoln’s dance department  decided to make a few changes to the audition process. Seniors were asked to audition, despite the fact that this had not been the case in past years. In addition to this, only dancers’ ID numbers were posted on the lists containing audition results, instead of names. Names were only posted for the Convertibles and the brand new Advanced+/Performance Dance Team. This brings the total number of dance levels to ten: Beginning, Advanced Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced Intermediate, Advanced, Advanced+/Performance, Convertibles, Beginning Folklorico, Intermediate Folklorico, and Xochitl Dance Team.

This comes after a significant change to the decades-old tradition of Lincoln’s Steps show. For the first time ever, the show was held at the Mexican Heritage Plaza on Alum Rock Avenue; typically, it is held in Lincoln’s Main Gym. The new venue allowed students the opportunity to perform in a real theater, and also gave parents a chance to choose their own seats.

The dance department continues to grow every year through the work of teachers, parents, and students. Congrats to all the dancers who auditioned for a place in the 2016-17 dance department!