High Steppers bring dance back to WC after decades

From the Golden Belles of the 1970s, to the Gold Dusters of the 1990s, Weatherford College welcomes the return of an official dance team, the High Steppers.

Led by WC's Marlo Harris, the team is made up of a talented group of students ready to set the stage—and the sidelines—on fire.

"It's such an honor to lead this revival," Harris said. "We've renamed, rebranded and recruited for a modern dance team. We have fresh new dancers and choreography." 

Leading the inaugural team, Captain Gabriella Hernandez and Co-Captain Mallory Alvarez bring years of performance experience and infectious enthusiasm to the program.

Hernandez began dancing at the age of 4, competing through Dance Studio 99 in Eastland, and later performed with the Texas Live Lonestars. She expressed excitement at being a leader for the High Steppers as they prepare to bring new life, energy and spirit to future campus and community events.

"We're really nailing everything down, so we'll be ready for our first performance," Hernandez said. "We're excited for all the girls to bring their talent and show what we can do."

Alvarez, a former competitive gymnast turned dancer, shared the goals she has for the team as they look forward to the start of the new academic year.

"I really want to be a team on and off the floor," she said. "I want us to be a friend group where we can go to each other for support. If we're close off the dance floor, we'll look even better on, because we're all in sync and together."

The High Steppers will debut during WC's Connections Week, a college-wide welcome back event for faculty and staff, followed by appearances at the campus cookout, athletic games and additional community engagements throughout the year. The team also plans to explore college-level dance competitions in the future.

"This first year is all about getting grounded," Harris added. "Once we reach the technical skill level we're aiming for, we'll begin looking at competitive opportunities."

For Harris, the return of the dance team is both a professional milestone and a personal joy.

"This has been like my Christmas," she said. "I've waited all year to finally have my team. These young women aren't just great dancers—they're phenomenal human beings. They're the founders of something special."

The High Steppers are not only performing—they're setting the rhythm for a new tradition at Weatherford College.