For the past twenty years, the Royals dance ensemble has been a cornerstone of Mitty spirit. From spirit rallies to football and basketball games, Royals have become synonymous with school pride, energy, and tradition. This year, a new dance group—royalty—was introduced to the performing arts scene, offering intermediate dancers the chance to showcase their talents and gain performance experience beyond Dance 1 and Dance 2—without needing to be on the Royals.

royalty performs at numerous Mitty events, including junior varsity football and basketball games. Furthermore, they–along with Royals, Dance 1, and Dance 2–perform at the winter and spring recital with their own unique routines. In an interview with Ms. Anethra Rhodes, she explains that royalty is “its own entity..their own group that they feel ownership of and pride in.” While some students may use royalty as a stepping stone to Royals, others may find it a space where they can develop as performers in their own right. In this sense, it’s not “JV” royals but rather its own ensemble. With its own period and weekly after school rehearsals, royalty offers dancers a chance to grow and be seen, offering something new to the Mitty community. With its own identity, royalty reflects Mitty’s commitment to expanding performing arts participation and nurturing creativity at every stage. The ensemble is already carving out its own place with their halftime performance at the first JV home football game, electrifying the stands with an energetic and captivating jazz dance to “These Words.”

This new dance team royalty has inspired many to audition. The audition process is the same for both the Royals and royalty. Since joining the team this year, Sophomore Gaby Baniqued has enjoyed the experience of performing and learning choreography. Her favorite part is dancing at the JV football games. When she auditioned, Gaby found the process stressful and difficult to navigate, but she enjoyed learning the choreography. Gaby expressed her nervousness about entering this new environment and how the dynamic of the group would work. Gaby Baniqued states that “ I don’t regret being in royalty rather than Royals. The smaller team is more comfortable, and the team accommodates everyone’s skill.” royalty is where the girls can bond together, create connections, and learn how to be confident over the art of dance. Lastly, royalty has given the team a chance to find their voice through dance.

Overall, royalty is more than a new dance team–it is an example of a new legacy formed at Mitty. At each practice they are building a powerful foundation for others in the future. They are not only just dancing at certain events. They are building creativity that will shape future groups.