The Enchanters dance team is not the only team that is hungry for the attention and recognition of the student body.

But they may be one of the teams that most deserves it.

“For the most part, every year the majority of the team is extremely dedicated to put in extra time,” said Keisha Derrick, director of the Dance program and the Enchanters. “They are willing to learn and always trying to better themselves.”

Formed when the school opened in 2000, the Enchanters enthusiastically performed at pep rallies, football games and band competitions while doubling as the Color Guard in the Band of Mystery.

The second year brought more challenges, as the team, along with the entire dance program, adapted to the changing conditions of facilities that came with the school’s growing population.

“We [expanded] into two rooms and now had two fulltime teachers, which is [great] because most regular public schools only have one,” said Mrs. Derrick.

The girls continued to manage their time between extracurricular activities, school work and the team, competing and bringing in trophies that now dominate the trophy case in the front office.

In the 2003 year, the wrestling room was converted into a dance room, void of mirrors and an adequate dance floor. While these obstacles may have deterred a team with less heart, the Enchanters still managed to represent the school and bring home awards, earning recognition at dance camps for their humility and making the program a force to be reckoned with.

The Enchanters have won several awards in national dance competitions against the best teams in the country, garnering a National Championship for Team Lyrical in the Contest of Champions this year.

The strong relationships the team members have created keeps them together during stressful times. Developed during the long practice hours, sleepovers, dinners and fundraising events, the bonds that the Enchanters have formed has helped unify the 22 member group.

“We have good dance moves, work hard and audition our own dancers to participate in competition dances,” said senior Amy Jones, co-captain of the team.

However, their efforts are hardly rewarded by those who they want to be acknowledged by most: the students.

“The teachers are supportive, I have to say,” said Mrs. Derrick. “[But] it is hard [for them] because they don’t fit into any one group. They’re kind of in limbo because they are not considered a sport.”

The Enchanters’ dedication to the team will be tested next year, as the team loses its seniors to graduation and begins to build up next year’s squad.

“Next year will be a year to re-build because they will have a whole new teacher and a fresh new team,” said Mrs. Derrick.

Mrs. Derrick, who has managed the Enchanters for three years, will be leaving the school next year to pursue a career dealing with medical transcriptions, a career which she has been studying while teaching dance.