August Reflections

8/28/2026 10:30 am

The month of August introduced our Rookie Royales to the program, our community, and our differences from JV.  The Vets have a chance to start to show who THEY are by taking the lead in practices and in the Royale community as a whole.  It is their first chance to start to define their chapter of Royales and the legacy the class of 2027 wants to leave the program.  

 

In a first, the Royales (as a team, not just officers or leadership line) showed the entire PISD staff just a small glimpse of who they are in a piece "Never Grow Up," they literally caused many in the audience to be moved to tears.  The team did a fantastic job bringing to life the joy and struggles of growing up and becoming your own person.  Their talent, grace, and beauty were highlighted for our larger PISD community and the girls did not back down from the challenge for telling a story to so many!  I have received so many positive notes about how the girls really helped the teachers reflect during a stressful part of our year-- getting everything ready with a small amount of time in our rooms!  

 

During Convocation the team also helped keep the crowd hype with games and spirit.  We were SO PROUD of them, especially since the environment was new to all of us!  

 

Then to end the month with a successful first, of many, football games!  The girls had a couple of tired, rough practices the week of the game-- that is to be expected as those who aren't used to how Royales train and practice are adapting to us and to a new school.  Even after a struggle of a Band Practice, the girls literally shock off the errors and mistakes and shined on the field under the Friday Night Lights (Thursday Edition!)  

 

I know your Royales have come home tired and sweaty, I do hope as you reflect on the month that everyone can see how worth it that hard work, and detailed work is in the growth of each Royales from wherever they were last year (as a Royale or not.)  

 

The team will continue to reflect in order to work on our growth mindset as dancers, athletes, and humans.  The dancers were asked to create a personal goal for their own growth using the SMART framework.  Ask your Royales what are she wants to grow in!  Be a part of the process and help hold her accountable with positive reminders, questions, and help.  

 

If you are unfamiliar with the SMART goal setting framework: 

  • Specific – know exactly what needs to be done
  • Measurable – how will you know you’ve achieved your goal
  • Adaptable – sometimes must adjust downward or upward
  • Realistic – know yourself
  • Time-based – set a deadline