The Vandegrift High School dance team, known as the Legacies, is gearing up to bring their Texas-sized school spirit across the pond to perform in the renowned New Year's Day Parade in London. According to a FOX 7 Austin report, the team from Texas has the distinct honor of being the first high school group invited from the state, reflecting international recognition of their talent and dedication. "We're actually the first high school group that they have invited to be a part of this experience. So we are very excited and honored to be able to give the girls this once-in-a-lifetime experience," assistant director Alexa Olson told FOX 7 Austin.
The importance of the invitation was underscored by a ceremonious gesture from the UK—a beautifully crafted plate from Buckingham Palace, a token of the high regard held for a legacy. Olson added, "We received a beautiful plate from Buckingham Palace that was delivered to us from the lord mayor. And it is kind of just a symbol that they appreciate our acceptance of their invitation to London. And it's very special, we had it framed, and it says Legacies at the bottom and the year," as per the information provided by FOX 7 Austin.
The dancers have been meticulously preparing for their international debut following a hectic football season. The Legacies have been using their performances at games not just to fuel school spirit but also to fine-tune their routines for the London stage. "The entire year we're kind of building on our skills and our team culture and everything for every point in the year and so this season we've worked on just being able to dance as a team and all of our football dances like we dig into technical elements that will be applied later on and the easier they are for us now, the easier it is to apply for our London performance," Victoria Kennedy, a senior member of the team, explained in a statement obtained by FOX 7 Austin.
Similarly, sharing in the excitement is Legacies' Colonel Kara Yuan, who looks forward to the unique experience of traveling and performing internationally with her teammates. "Traveling to London and experiencing the city with my teammates is incredibly exciting," Yuan told The Texas Informer. The anticipation extends beyond the team members, as the community and Leander ISD have been instrumental in supporting the Legacies in their journey to London. "We're really thankful that the community is supporting us in this way, that Leander ISD is supporting us in this way, and we can't wait to represent Vandegrift and Austin, Texas while we're in London," Olson shared with FOX 7 Austin.
Those rooting for the Legacies back home will have the chance to witness the London procession virtually, as supporters are encouraged to watch the live stream and cheer on the dancers from their own homes. With their unique blend of athleticism and coordination, honed on both the football field and the rehearsal floor, the Legacies are poised to add a dose of Texas pride to London's festive traditions.
