The Parkway North step team performs on stage in Dallas, Texas. They came in second place after a local Texas high school.

The Parkway District Steppers are preparing for their upcoming competition, which is in Chicago on Feb. 15. 

In the last competition, which was held in Dallas, they placed second place behind Theta Nu Sigma, a Texas high school team. 

“Approximately about 11 schools [participated], all out of town and in town,” freshman Luna Henry said.

The steppers get ranked based on precision, creativity, costumes, faces, voice, hazards, and theme. There is no scoring system in terms of points.

“We did good. We won 2nd overall due to other teams doing stunts and more impressive things,” sophomore Maddison Rodgers said.

The steppers practice on Saturdays and Sundays from 8-12 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. 

“At practice, we run up and down stairs a good 6 times, stretch, and practice our upcoming performances or shows,” Rodgers said

Through the hard season, they had to come together as one and put their differences aside to make sure the performance was perfect. 

“Step is like a second family to me,” Rodgers said. “I feel like I can be myself and express my feelings in my steps.”

The team grows close and builds bonds with each other, spending a great deal of time together at practice, during competitions, and when they are traveling.

“My favorite moment of step is when… we were in Dallas and all of us were bonding and laughing together,” Rodgers said. “I think the team can improve by building relationships with others on the team even if you don’t know them.” 

They continue to practice together and build relationships as the season goes on to make their routine better and win competitions like the one in Chicago next weekend.

“ I hope that we can pull through and get 1st place in our competition in Chicago if we really practice hard and work together as a team.” junior Mya Stovall said.