This week’s Farmer Focus is junior Mia Rangel, the Farmerette captain who aspires to continue her dancing career throughout college.
SNAPSHOTS
Makeup product you can’t live without: Mascara
A wild animal you would like to tame: Monkey
Favorite accessory: Necklaces
What flower would you be: Tulips
Dream vacation: Hawaii
ZOOMING IN
Q: When did you start dancing?
A: “I started dancing when I was 3 or 4 at a dance studio in Flower Mound because of a Barbie movie. I first joined the drill team my sophomore year. I heard it was such a good environment, and you made so many friends. My first year was scary because I didn’t know anybody. But after a few days, I felt comfortable, and I kept going because of my friends. It was so fun to do. I just love to dance. It’s so fun, and it takes my mind off of school and stuff.”
Q: How many girls are accepted into Farmerettes?
A: “There’s not a set amount. Anyone can be on the team if they audition, but right now we have 31 and that’s more than last year. I think they look for potential, and everybody has potential, so a lot of people make it, but it’s not easy either; not everyone can do dance.”
Q: What other styles of dancing do you like and why?
A: “I like ballet and tap. It’s because I first started with that, and I never do it anymore. [Ballet] used to hurt a lot, but it was really fun. And tap, I’ve done my whole life. I really want to do a tap solo. I feel like that’s my dream. Just the noises it makes, and I like when it matches the music as well.”
Q: What’s it like being captain of the Farmerettes ?
A: “It’s fun. It’s a new experience because I’ve never been in a leadership role before, but I learn something new every day. I like dancing and helping people so I love it; it’s a really good experience for me. Just looking at the class right now, I’m so proud of them. They’ve improved so much. It’s also stressful because a lot of [pressure] is on me, but the people make it better.”
Q: When was the last time you messed up a performance in front of a crowd, and what did you do?
A: “Two or three years ago was my dance recital. We were supposed to do a calypso, and I just couldn’t do it. I didn’t get off of the ground, and I rolled on the floor. But I was like ‘Oh, it’s not that bad,’ and I watched the video. It was so noticeable. It was kind of embarrassing.”
Q: Describe the feeling you get when you perform at a game.
A: “Excitement and nerves. When you’re standing there waiting to perform – I’m so nervous, there’s so much going on.”
Q: What is your favorite routine?
A: “Kick, because it is so cool to watch, and we also wear fringe and fringe is my favorite uniform. I love it, so it’s exciting.”
Q: How was your first game experience as a Farmerette?
A: “It was scary because we prepped so much, but being on the field for the first time and looking at everybody in the stadium, I was like ‘I’m so excited to do this.’”
Q: Describe the feeling you get thinking of leaving the Farmerettes when you graduate.
A: “I’m going to be really sad next year when I leave because I’m with these people every single day from 6 a.m. until the end of the day. We’re so close, and we hangout inside and outside of school three times a week, so it’s sad.”
Q: Would you ever consider being a dance coach? Why or why not?
A: “I don’t think I would be a drill team director. I would [rather] be a dance teacher at a studio for little kids. I love little kids, and you can give them stickers and cute little costumes.”
Q: What is some advice you have for the rookie Farmerettes?
A: “Live in the moment. It’s really hard because so many things are coming at you, but it’s worth it. All these 6 a.m. practices matter, and it goes by so fast. It’s my second year, but it doesn’t feel like it. It all goes by fast.”
