Copperettes to host Lil Rette Clinic this Saturday

 

The high kicks, the golden sparkle of their hats and uniforms, the opportunity to march on to the football field during a game. Most every little girl in Copperas Cove aspires to become a Copperette like many boys aspire to become Bulldawg football players. This weekend, girls will have their chance to live that dream said Copperettes director Samantha Selby. “Our participants can expect to step into the boots of a Copperette. They will learn a dance routine to be performed at pregame, play team bonding games, have lunch with the Copperettes and even pose for a picture in a Copperette gold hat, uniform overlay, and gold poms,” Selby said. “They will be able to show off their new dance routine to their parents and families at the end of the clinic. The Lil Rette Dancers will also have the opportunity to perform at the October 2 football game during pregame. They will arrive at the game and meet the Copperettes on the home side by the field house to receive their Lil Rette Shirt to perform in.” Veteran Copperettes have had the opportunity to work with the Lil Rettes at previous dance clinics. Because of their experience on being on the team, they know what they want to accomplish to spark the desire of performance in the next generations of dancers, Selby said, adding that new members are very excited to work with the younger generation of dancers. Many of the current Copperettes, like twin sisters Jocelyn and Jaylyn Villagomez, recall being Lil Rettes in their younger lives and it is one way they were inspired to become a Copperette. “I’m looking forward to showing little girls that dreams can come true,” Jocelyn Villagomez said. “I remember when I was a Lil Rette, there was a set of twins on the team. My twin sister and I were so inspired by them and because of them, I never gave up. I wanted to be a Copperette someday just like them.” The clinic is a fundraiser for the dance team to defray costs of camps and competitions. But, the Copperettes get much more out of it than just raising money. “They step into the roles of peer mentors, teachers, and role models. They get to see what dance is like from a child’s perspective,” Selby said. “This is very much community outreach that benefits the young dancers and helps the Copperette organization. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.” Jaelyn Villagomez also has fond memories of participating in the clinic as a child and is very much looking forward to Saturday’s clinic. “When I was a little girl…I would always say the Copperettes were so cool and very beautiful dancers, and made me look up to them as role models,” she said. “I hope to inspire the Lil Rettes as our next generation. I hope that their dreams will come true (just as) mine have.”