St. Edward’s University’s first and only club dance team, The Topperettes, is a small, tight-knight group comprising of 14 girls who love to move their feet that has become like a second family.

“I love the bond I have created with my team,” sophomore Becca Gutierrez said. “They have become a second family to me.”

Auditions for the Topperettes took place during the beginning of the semester, as 10 girls were critiqued by a pair of independent judges. The girls ran through basic dance techniques, including stretching, splits and a basic kick routine.

Although a dance background is not required to audition, many of the girls have prior experience, whether it is jazz, hip-hop or Bollywood, and know the basic techniques to avoid injury.

“I am basically a Bollywood dancer,” sophomore Rhea Kavina said. “I have been part of a Bollywood dance team called Rhythm India for about five years. But with the Topperettes, we do all kinds of dance.”

Topperettes Coach Meg Seeger is a St. Edward’s alumus and captained the dance team for three of her four years on the Hilltop.

“After I graduated in 2012, I continued to choreograph for the dance team and came in for a few practices to help clean routines in preparation for shows,” Seeger said. “Then last semester, senior Captain Aryn Acosta asked me to coach the team; I was immediately on board and have loved every second of it.”

The girls get together three times a week to practice their routines, preparing for their semester shows, the Christmas Spectacular and the Annual Spring Show. The Topperettes also hope to compete in the American Dance/Drill Team (ADTS) Collegiate Nationals this coming spring.

Not just limited to St. Edward’s, the team volunteers monthly, giving their assistance to events such as 5K runs and helping alongside at Ballet Austin.

This year, the Topperettes plan on collaborating with the St. Edward’s Cheer Team, attending and cheering at all the Blue and Gold Series games. They also plan on performing during halftime of the Blue and Gold basketball games, striving for greater recognition.

By having more coverage and exposure, the girls hope to expand the team with more awareness of the club.

“The girls are passionate and hard working,” Seeger said. “They want to see this organization grow and develop; that is what is going to make us successful.”