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Lancer Dancer Guard

What is it? 

  • Lancer Dancer Gaurd is a new performing arts program under the direction of the Lancer Dancer Program and the Shawnee Mission East Marching Band. 

 

Who is it? 

  • Lancer Dancer Guard is a team open to eligible freshmen through senior students at SME. Members of LDG will be considered varsity athletes during the first semester with the SME March Band. During the second semester, members of LDG will be considered junior varsity athletes with the Lancer Dancer Team. 

 

When is it? 

  • Lancer Dancer Guard is a year-long sport/activity. LDG members must attend an NDA dance team home camp, SME Marching Band band camp, and choreography camp. This team will perform as the color guard with the SME Marching Band and the JV dance team at home football games. LDG dancers will also compete with the SME Marching Band at competitions across the state. The Lancer Dancer Guard will perform and dance at Shawnee Mission JV Basketball home games. The Lancer Dancer Guard will also compete at local competitions with the Lancer Dancer Program in the spring semester. The Lancer Dancer Guard also has the opportunity to perform at the annual Lancer Dancer Spring Show. 

  • LDG will practice with the band from 7 am through 1st hour on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays during the first semester. Once the band competition season ends, LDG will practice during 1st hour on Mondays and 7 am through 1st hour on Wednesdays and Fridays. LDG may occasionally add a Thursday evening practice with the band to prepare for upcoming performances.

 

Where is it? 

  • LDG practices will take place on SME property in the dance/fitness room as well as the practice football field. 

 

Why? 

  • The formation of LDG offers dancers more performance opportunities and engagement with other school-sponsored activities. The LDG team will help its dancers strengthen their performance quality. 

 

Performances

  • NDA home camp 

  • Lancer Dancer Guard and Lancer Dancer fundraising events

    • Pancake Breakfast 

    • SMEAST Kid Clinic 

  • FNL 

LDG FAQ

Lancer Dancer Guard - Frequently Asked Questions

 

  • Am I eligible to make the Varsity team if I start on LDG?

    • Yes, Guard is an extension of the current JV Lancer Dancer Program. Because it is an extension, members of LDG are eligible for the Varsity squad for future seasons. 

  • Will the LDG Team require extra outside commitment? 

    • Yes, members will begin practice at 7 am with the band and continue into 1st hour on M, W, F during the marching season. 

    • There is the potential for adding Thursday night band practices leading up to marching competitions to ensure the team is prepared well. These practices will be announced in advance if/when they are planned. 

    • 7 am practices will continue past the marching competition season to enhance routines and technique. The amount of 7 am practices required post-marching season will be up to the coaches' discretion. 

  • Is my dancer able to miss band camp/choreography camp as well as marching competitions? 

    • No, to ensure the success of the program and team morale, all camps and competitions are mandatory because this is a performance-based activity and class. 

  • Will there be additional fees associated with the start of this program? 

    • Yes.  There will be a $100 Band Fee, which will help cover food, clinician/choreography expenses, and travel expenses for marching competitions.  As with the current JV Team, we work to offset as many fees as possible by fundraising. If we travel with the band, those fees will be additional.  A more detailed layout will be assembled for the 2025-2026 auditions.  

  • Why is Varsity no longer performing as the Color Guard?

    • The Varsity Lancer Dancer Team has countless performance opportunities, including state and local competitions, varsity football and soccer games, and nationals. Shifting the Color Guard performances off the Varsity schedule will give the team more time to prepare for regional, state, and national competitions. 

    • Opening the opportunity for the Lancer Dancer Guard will allow its members to perform at more events and competitions during the fall season. The commitment to the band during the fall season will enable them to be considered Varsity athletes and open the door for its members to travel with the band. 

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