The Raven Dance Team is made up of 25 varsity and 14 junior varsity members. These dedicated and talented young dancers strive to represent Olathe Northwest High School in a positive and spirited manner. The teams are led by Head Coach Shannon Judge-Summers.

Varsity

The varsity team, formed in fall 2005, is currently a four-time National Championship winner for Team Performance and a National Championship winner in Pom. They are ranked third in the nation for their Jazz routine, and fifth internationally for their Team Performance.

Team members perform at all home football games, numerous boys and girls basketball games, pep assemblies, the Old Settler’s Day Parade, the Olathe North vs. Olathe Northwest boys soccer game, as well as occasional special guest appearances.

During the school year, the team practices five days a week, up to two hours a day, to prepare for games and other performances. During football season, the team doubles as a color guard, performing at halftime with the band. In addition to being recognized for their tremendous dance ability, they have also received top scores and won awards for their work as an auxiliary unit. Varsity members also dance on the sidelines during football games, performing short routines choreographed by the team officers. The team dances are choreographed by Head Coach Shannon Judge-Summers.

In January, the team performs in two regional competitions against other Midwest high school dance teams in various categories, including Jazz, Hip Hop, Team Performance, Lyrical, Novelty and Pom. The team also travels to Orlando, Florida in March for the NDA National Dance Team Championship to compete against high school dance teams from all over the United States. In order to prepare for their regional competitions and nationals, the team sacrifices some of their winter break and weekends for extra practice time!

Junior Varsity

The RDT junior varsity team is the newest addition to the Raven Dance Team. The first junior varsity team was formed in fall of 2010. This award-winning team is currently ranked first regionally in Hip Hop, Jazz, and Pom! These team members perform special guest routines at home football games, boys and girls home basketball games, pep assemblies and the Old Settler’s Day Parade.

During the school year, the team practices four days per week approximately one to two hours per day as well as some evenings and weekends to prepare for game performances and regional competitions.

In January, the team performs in two regional competitions against other Midwest junior varsity high school dance teams in various categories including Jazz, Hip Hop, and/or Pom.