The Manhattan High dance team held additional auditions for students who are interested in joining the team on Nov. 13 and 14. The additional auditions allowed more students to join the team in the second semester.

The auditions for the team have changed due to the impact of COVID-19 on the school. The additional auditions were meant to ensure that those who couldn’t audition in the spring could audition for the second semester.

“Originally the team auditioned through video submission with their former coach,” head coach Kayela Holli said.

The auditions were held through Zoom to ensure the safety of the participants. The auditionees performed some dances and techniques through a Zoom meeting.

“We wanted to make sure everyone’s safety was thought of first,” assistant coach Sydney Gold said.

The dance team is still open for auditions for those who want to try out.

“If there were other people that are certainly still interested, I think we’re all about opportunity right now,” Holli said, “and if they were to come to me still wanting to audition and are able to enroll in the class, you know, we would try to figure that out for them.”

The dance team has been adapting to the change in how the class is usually done. Due to the hybrid schedule, only half of the team is able to meet on Mondays while the other half meets on Thursdays. Holli is committed to giving students opportunities on the team.

“I just want to provide as much opportunity as possible as I can for the students on the team,” Holli said. “I will continue to be committed to doing that in whatever way I can.”