Dance
Rhythm Dancers Varsity Dance Team
Founded in 2007, the Rhythm Dancers are a proud part of the HCA spirit tradition. Throughout the year, the team performs at varsity football and basketball games, pep rallies, and community events. In the spring, the Rhythm Dancers take the competition floor at regional drill team competitions and the TAPPS Dance Championships. The season culminates with their annual Spring Show, an exciting evening that showcases the team’s dances from throughout the year, along with student-choreographed group numbers. The show also features special performances by the drumline and HCA’s younger spirit groups, making it a wonderful celebration of talent and school spirit!
Being a Rhythm Dancer is about much more than performing and competing. Team members build lasting relationships while developing teamwork, confidence, responsibility, and leadership skills that will serve them well beyond their high school dance experience. Above all, the Rhythm Dancers pride themselves on creating a sisterhood built on encouragement, support, and a shared love of dance.
After earning TAPPS Dance State Championships in 2016 and 2017, the Rhythm Dancers are excited to return to the TAPPS Championships in 2027 for the first time in 10 years. The team looks forward to representing HCA with excellence and continuing to build a strong tradition for years to come!
The Rhythm Dancers are directed by Meredith Walraven, whose lifelong background in dance and extensive directing experience have shaped her passion for developing young dancers. She began dancing competitively as a child and later served as a two-year officer with the Rockwall Stingerettes. She continued her dance education as a dance major at Stephen F. Austin State University before beginning a 20-year career directing in public education. Seventeen of those years were spent leading the Plano Senior High Planoettes.
In 2024, Meredith joined HCA with a heart for helping the Rhythm Dancers grow, strengthen their traditions, and build an exciting future for the program. She is thankful to Krista Neff, Bisi Ijagbemi (Captain 25-26), and Wylie Neff for having the desire to bring back the Rhythm Dancers in 2023 after the team took a few years hiatus. Meredith is thrilled to begin her third year at HCA and looks forward to all that lies ahead for the Rhythm Dancers.
Go Eagles!
Sparklers
Sparklers are older elementary girls who have progressed through the other areas of dance and have a passion for twirling. The Sparklers are skilled at the baton and perform alongside the other spirit teams. Sometimes, they help and lead the younger girls, like the Dazzlers. This is a great transition period and leadership opportunity for our dance program, as the students get older.
Dazzlers
The Dazzlers are the youngest athletic extracurricular activity at HCA; depending on the child’s age, they are split into two groups, allowing them to progress and learn new routines as they age. As Dazzlers, the students learn the basics of dance, tumbling, and baton, which they showcase in halftime performances throughout the year. The students love to dance and always light up the room when putting on a show.
