The Brave Cadettes are a talented and dedicated dance team with a history of success including past 4A state championships, known for their energy, tallent, and teamwork. Led by Coach Kyli Scherbel and Assistant Coach Darbi Stoll, this incredible dance team includes: Kaia Allred, Junior; Nicki Bartelson, Senior (President); McKaty Dance, Sophomore; Cambrie Heiner; Krystal Gibbons; Emry Kennington, Junior; Mady Mosgeller, Sophomore (Vice President); Ryann Kallgren; and Hallie Vickery. From hip hop to jazz, the Brave Cadettes bring creativity, precision, and teamwork to every performance.
Coach Kyli Scherbel says, “This year at state we will be doing a hip-hop routine and a jazz routine. Getting everyone to do the same thing on the exact same count takes a lot of hard work, but the girls on this team have everything they need. They are so motivated, talented, and willing to do everything it takes to succeed.”
Rehearsals are no joke! The Brave Cadettes train hard at SVHS and Afton Elementary, often putting in multiple hours after school and on weekends. McKaty Dance, a sophomore, says, “Rehearsals are normally from four to six after school… On weekends now since it is our state season we have eight-hour practices on either Friday or Saturday and early mornings every Monday… so that we are all super comfortable in our routines!”
Strong leadership makes the Brave Cadettes unstoppable. President Nicki Bartelson keeps the team focused and motivated, while Vice President Mady Mosgeller helps guide rehearsals and serves as a co-captain. Nicki Bartelson, a senior, says, “I try to keep them on track as best as I can with encouraging and uplifting comments. I strive to have our team grow closer together each day because this is truly an amazing experience.”
Emry Kennington also says, “My favorite part about being a Brave Cadette is the growth that I see in the team and in myself. It’s so rewarding to do something I would have once thought impossible.” Kaia Allred, a junior, adds, “Dancing is almost like a break from life… just have fun with your team.”
The Brave Cadettes will compete at State in Casper, WY at the Ford Wyoming Center on January 23rd. They will showcase a hip hop and a jazz routine, impressing judges and fans alike. Emry Kennington says, “I am most excited for hip hop because we have been working a lot on it and I’m really hoping that we can put on a great performance in January.”
Beyond the routines, the team competes to achieve goals, build friendships, and represent SVHS with pride. Nicki Bartelson says, “I love the respect and kindness everyone has on the team because it not only helps us as a team but helps us become better individuals.”
After their state strip, come celebrate the Brave Cadettes one last time this season! The Brave Cadettes Year-End Review will take place Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at 6:30 PM in the SVHS Main Gym. The theme is Footloose, and performances will include State Jazz and Hip Hop routines, football and basketball halftime routines, and the team’s annual tradition: a combined dance with SVHS boys featuring lifts and tricks.
Tickets are $3 for students, $5 for adults, and $15 for families. Get tickets from a Brave Cadette or at the door! Come support the Brave Cadettes, celebrate their hard work, and witness the energy of this team in action.
