Copperettes dancing their way to new season

By LYNETTE SOWELL

The 27 members of the Copperas Cove High School Copperettes had the chance to show off their newest routines to friends and family after the end of auditions and summer camp last week. Although 17 of the squad are brand-new to the team, Copperettes director Samantha Selby is confident that as the group works together, things will continue to improve into the all and beyond. “We learned a lot of routines for camp, everything from our field routines which include pop, military and pom, and a disc routine, which is something I don’t think Copperas Cove has seen before,” Selby said. “We’ve done two hip-hops and our seniors learned a custom routine. We have really talented girls this year, a lot of new talent.” This year’s team includes four returning seniors. Selby herself is also relatively new to Cove’s program, but she brings plenty of experience as the former director of the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Sader Belles dance team for two years, and holds a degree in dance education from Texas State University. This new Copperettes dance team will learn 25- 30 routines throughout the year and participate in several competitions, Selby added. They’ll be ready to go for their first public  performance on August 22 at the Armed Services  MCA Back to School Bash. One returning Copperette is 1st Sgt. Stephanie Pelkey, a junior. “We learned routines here and we’ll perform them for showcase to parents and friends. We’ll also do them during pep rallies and football games,” Pelkey said.”  New team member Trinity Chappell, a sophomore, is brand-new to dance but brings a lot of enthusiasm and energy. “I’ve lived in Copperas Cove since I was 9 and this is my first time dancing,” Chappell said. “It’s really fun and a great opportunity. I’m really  blessed to dance on theteam.”  Chappell said her favorite genre of dance is hip-hop, but she is better at the military performances.