On Feb. 28, 2026, Hellgate Dance Team hosted their annual showcase, performing a variety of halftime routines from throughout the season. The event this year was also paired with Senior Night for the team’s seniors and Junior Knights Dance Camp for upcoming freshmen.

Junior Knights is an annual event that brings in seventh and eighth graders hoping to be a part of a dance team in high school. The camp gives dancers a chance to see what it’s like working with the team, learning dances, practicing technique, getting to know the members, and also getting the opportunity to perform alongside the dance team at the showcase.

Dancers arrived at 3pm, starting with a team warmup followed by across the floor technique including basic skills needed to be on the team. Then two dance combinations were taught, one in the style of jazz and the other in hip-hop, which the Junior Knights would later perform in the showcase. The dancers were also taught the Hellgate Fight Song choreography that would also be included in the night’s performance.

The showcase was held in the Hellgate Upper Gym, doors opening at 6:30pm for a 7pm start time. The show started with introductions of each team member and Junior Knight. Next was the Senior Night presentation, recognizing the seniors and their families for their dedication and contributions to the team. Each senior had their bios and pieces of advice read allowed as they walked the gym and got a professional photo with their families taken by Mettle Photography.

Following the senior walk was the dance choreographed by the dance team seniors. Next the Junior Knights performed their hip-hop and jazz dances and the Hellgate Dance Team performed the remainder of their halftime performances. The show ended with the Junior Knights and Hellgate Dance Team performing the Hellgate Fight Song routine together.

This showcase closed off the Hellgate Dance Team 2025-2026 season before the team heads to State Basketball in the upcoming weeks. “I love giving the dancers an opportunity to show off everything they’ve been working on all year by creating an event that highlights them,” said Kylie Lopuch, the Hellgate Dance Team Coach. “Moving forward with Showcase, I’d love to grow to include Cheer, as well as potentially expand to include all Missoula high schools down the road.”