Sheryl Solomon

Performer sings the Nation Anthem as the dancers hold the flag with the help of many firefighters.

In order to be the best, you have to perform with the best! Over the Christmas break, the Bob Jones Patriettes traveled all the way to Dallas, Texas, to perform at the Cotton Bowl.

The Patriettes and multiple other dance teams from all over the United States joined together to dance along side the Kilgore Rangerettes. These girls represented Bob Jones High School well by enhancing the half time and pre-game performance of the first drill team in America.

“Dancing with the Rangerettes was a huge honor. They’re absolutely flawless,” said Olivia Horan, senior Patriette.

In order to perform with the best, the Patriettes had to work hard to learn and polish the routines choreographed by Coast2CostProductions.

“As a team we practiced for weeks in advance to perfect the dances. We had to learn a pre-game pom dance and a halftime dance with streamers,” said Lindsey Solomon, senior Patriette. “The overall experience was fun and very exciting!”

“My favorite part about dancing in the Cotton Bowl was going to the stadium!” said sophomore Patriette Lauren Nuwayhid.

The Cotton Bowl is held in the AT&T Stadium, which is the home of the Dallas Cowboys. This stadium has the fourth largest high definition video screen in the world. A few Patriettes even appeared on this screen during the pre-game performance.

Dancing in televised performances and on a football field in front of more than 72,000 people sounds slightly intimidating, but the Patriettes beg to differ.

“The adrenaline rush I got when I was on the field in front of all those people was exhilarating,” said Olivia Horan.

Many Patriettes have been dancing for most of their lives and are used to performing in front of large crowds.

“Plus there were so many other dancers with us,” said Lauren Nuwayhid. This is a comforting thought while dancing in a stadium that is so large, every performer on the field is visible.

Even though the Patriettes went to Dallas, Texas, to dance, they still had free time to spend time with their teammates. During this trip, they grew closer as a team and had the chance to meet other dancers from all around the country.

“My favorite part about dancing in the Cotton Bowl was meeting other girls from other states, and it also gave our team time to bond,” said Lacey Bolden, junior Patriette.

They even got to kick off the New Year together in Texas. This is an experience they would never forget.