By Staff Reports w/Plano Star
The biggest game in sports, played in one of the biggest stadiums in the world, needed one of the biggest halftime productions ever, and who better to call upon to perform along with The Black Eyed Peas than the National Champion Planoettes? When Super Bowl XLV halftime organizers began the search to create the best possible show ever, they sought out the premier high school drill teams in the area, which led them to the Plano Senior High School Planoettes.
According to Planoette director, Meredith Walraven, “The Planoettes are one of six groups who were chosen to perform the more advanced dance choreography. We were selected partly because of our reigning National title from ADTS and because of our team always looking polished and performing well at contests. Joyce Pennington, CEO of American Dance/Drill Team was put in charge of choosing the groups for both dance parts in this production.”
Through their participation in this show, the Planoettes had the opportunity to experience first hand what goes into the making of a professional, live, production. They had the privilege of working under well-known executive producer Ricky Kirshner, The Black Eyed Peas choreographer Fatima Robinson, and the incredible Super Bowl XLV Halftime Show casting, production, and choreography teams. When rehearsing at Plano’s Clark Stadium, Mr. Kirshner expressed appreciation for the skilled dancers, outstanding high school facilities, and wonderful hospitality that he found in Texas.
The Planoettes began rehearsals with the other drill teams and the Super Bowl XLV staff two weeks ago, and due to the icy weather conditions, some rehearsals had to be rescheduled so that the show could go on as planned. After Saturday’s dress rehearsal with The Black Eyed Peas and Usher, the excitement began to escalate among the team, and by Sunday morning, the girls could hardly wait to depart for Cowboys Stadium. The team spent the day with the production staff preparing for the big performance – warming up, polishing choreography, and ensuring that their costumes lit up properly. By halftime, the Planoettes were ready to perform and could feel the electricity building in the stadium as they took their places on the field.
Along with the hit pop group The Black Eyed Peas, Slash and Usher were also featured in this fully staged production. During the songs, “Boom Boom Pow,” “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” and “Where is the Love?” the Planoettes were seen on the field directly in front of the stage making intricate arrow and heart formations while their lighted costumes changed colors from green to white and red.
The 100,000 plus fans in the stadium cheered wildly to the dancing and music. When the Planoettes performed their running-man robot steps to “The Time” and “I Gotta Feeling,” the stadium erupted. With over 100 million viewers in the US alone, this may well be the biggest show on earth. Standing tall as they left the field, the girls then burst into elation with each other, not because they had been in the Super Bowl, but because they knew they had nailed it. They proved to millions that not only did they belong on the biggest stage in the world; they owned it!
Sam Schafer, a senior Planoette, exclaimed, “Performing at the Super Bowl was a life-changing experience! I’m so happy that my last halftime performance was at a nationwide event! Definitely something to tell my grandkids someday!”
First Lieutenant Brooke Haga stated, “This entire experience has been absolutely amazing! The second we stepped out on the field for the final performance, my breath was taken away! This has by far been the most memorable moment of my entire life!”
Now that the Super Bowl experience has come and gone, the Planoettes are preparing for three competitions and their annual Spring Show. “It is an honor and a privilege to have been a part of the Super Bowl XLV Halftime Show. “Being chosen is a great tribute to what the Planoettes strive for every year,” states Walraven. “This just shows that hard work does pay off. The Planoettes have also done so much in our community. These girls truly are not only great dancers, but giving young ladies. I am blessed to be their director!”
The Planoettes drill team of Plano Senior High School is made up of over 80 junior and senior girls, managers, and Maroon Guard. The team is led by Meredith Walraven, director, and Lindsay Placke, assistant director.
