Dancers in Sepia

I have been photographing some of the high school dance team girls for four years. I think when I was photographing the girls' warm up for Friday Night's half time show I may very well have captured my favorite image of them. Before heading to the field for their half time performance the girls circle up with their dance teacher/coach and pray together. I love that they do this!

I love sepia tones but have not considered changing the dance team pictures to sepia before now. I think I like the effect.

I challenge you to take some photos you have that you haven't considered changing to sepia and post them. Then come back and here and let me know you did so I can see too.

Friday Night Lights: Matadors vs. Mules

Friday night of course found us seated at the high school stadium cheering on the Matadors. We were hoping for a win but it was not to be. The Mules kicked us but we did give them a run for it and the boys played a good game.

This was the first football game of the season that was actually cold! Everyone in the stands could be found in long sleeves and jackets, the concession stand began to serve hot chocolate and coffee, and the dancers couldn't stop shivering.

When I first arrived to take some photos of the dancers in the stands I remembered that Ashley had rejoined the dance team! Welcome back Ashley!!!

Ashley and Heather

Of course half time is my favorite part of football! Heather danced with the Starsteppers...

...then marched with the band.

Go Mats Go!!!

Friday Night LIghts: Matadors vs. Hornets

Friday evening found us San Antonio-bound...in the rain. There were murmurs in our group of staying home from the game and staying dry, but on we trekked. And we're so glad we did! Once the game began the rain stopped!








Although for much of the game I was sure the East Central Hornets were going to sting us good... at the bottom of the 3rd quarter our Matadors fought back and won the game 31-21! Woo hoo!

During the halftime show my daughter marched with the band, playing her mellophone...

...and then she joined the dance team to perform the kick routine:

There was lots of kicking,

even some stunting...



and even more kicking!

Heather is usually found right on the 50 yard line! I love that whether in band or dance I can usually find her easily!

Friday Night LIghts: Matadors vs. Eagles

Friday night brought our town's high school's first home game of the season. After being trounced so badly last week against our rivals, I wasn't sure what this week would bring.

The Matadors played a superb game and won 41-20!!!

Despite the rain, enthusiastic fans stayed to cheer on the team!

Early in the game the rain began. The dancers all donned their ponchos and kept right on cheering!

Heather on the field with the band, prior to the dance team taking the field.

My favorite photograph of the night was one I snapped of Heather's friend Tiffany as she marched by during the halftime show. Tiffany, like Heather, is on the dance team and in band...and they are both debutantes and both work at the same place!

The dancers performed their ladder routine again and did a super job!

During every home game, after half time, some students are selected to go over to the visiting side and bring back band students to introduce to our kids. Heather was selected and she brought back Christian from the Eagles' band to introduce to the Mighty Matadors.

Friday Night Football is Here!

Texans LOVE their Friday Night Football! This past Friday night kicked off the high school football season here. We traveled to nearby New Braunfels to watch our beloved Matadors take on the Unicorns. We were kicked pretty badly, but will be right back out there to watch them again for many Friday nights to come.

Of course my personal favorite part of these football games is watching my daughter perform with the marching band and dance team at half time. This is her senior year so the last season we'll get to watch her as a Matador.

LOVE this photo captured of Heather cheering in the stands during the game.

Ashley, the captain of the Starsteppers Dance Team

Heather cheering in the stands alongside her dance buddies.

Tiffany, Kymber, Heather and Katie.

This mama sure loves seeing her daughter obviously having a great time!

One of Heather's best buddies, Ryan...aka Pepe, our school mascot. You may be seeing quite a bit of Ryan on here this year as he has also graciously agreed to be Heather's escort for the Mid Texas Symphony Ball where she will be presented as a debutante in January.

Heather's dance team coaches Cathy with her new assitant Suzanne. Heather LOVES these two ladies!


I have always loved that I can easily spot Heather on the field with the band.







The Starsteppers performed a ladder routine to "Wake Me Up Before You Go Go." After our band and dance team performed our kids stood on the sidelines to watch New Braunfels' teams peform their half time show. Guess what song the New Braunfels dance team used as well??? You got it..."Wake Me Up Before You Go Go." As they finished up on of our band director was walking by and said, "I'm going to be so sick of this song!" The season has only just begun. His comment made me laugh!

The dance team after their performance, watching the opposing team's show.

Yep, that's my daughter being ever so goofy as she carried her ladder back to the trailer after half time.

The Two-Man Road Crew: Todd and Tracy. A HUGE thank you to these two for their dedication to the dance team and cheerleaders. Todd and Tracy haul the teams' trailer with all their equipment to all the games and competitions all year long. You guys rock!

Heather on the field to cheer on the football players as they returned after half time.

Spring Showcase...part 1

Last week the high school dance team, drill team, cheerleaders, and winterguard put on a show for the community. It's an annual event where the teams can show everyone what they've been working hard on all winter and in most cases what they performed at their various competitions.


Heather was able to perform her solo again.

Those who know Heather but have never seen her dance probably don't know she's capabale of poise and grace at all!