On Sept. 20, the McLean Dance Team performed at the home football game against Thomas Edison High School. Not only did they perform their halftime show, they also stood alongside the cheerleaders on the track during the game for the first time.

“It was definitely a new experience but it was exciting,” junior Sara Ridjanovic said. “It was fun to cheer on the sidelines with the cheerleaders.”

The dance squad will continue to stand with McLean’s cheer team for every home football game to combine their support for the Highlanders. This major change marks the start of new head coach Maggie Gibson’s time at McLean. Cheering on the track is just one of many ideas she has to improve the dance program.

“[Gibson] has been really great overall,” Ridjanovic said. “She has been helping us learn sidelines and competition routines.”

In past years, the dance team only performed during halftime. By adding a sideline routine, the team hopes to draw more recognition for dance, as well as more spirit in the stands during football games.

“Cheering on the track adds more activities for us to do,” Ridjanovic said. “We’re more of a part of the game and more involved.”