The inaugural dance team representing the Nelson Hawks.
The inaugural dance team representing the Nelson Hawks.

As the newest high school in the North Clackamas School District, Nelson opened its doors to students and staff in Happy Valley this fall.

Nelson debuted a full offering of sports and activities, including dance team.

At the helm of the dance team for the Hawks inaugural season is Debi Lazarev. Together with her coaching staff she leads a team of 19 dancers. She is assisted in her coaching duties by Katie Suh, Kristina Zelen, and Lilly Taylor.

Combined, the Nelson coaches have more than 50 years of dance and teaching experience. They have danced, taught, and choreographed at the high school, studio, collegiate, and professional level.

The coaching staff, under Lazarev’s leadership, is most looking forward to helping students become well-rounded dancers, responsible students, and contributing members of our community.

The coaching staff, under Lazarev’s leadership, is most looking forward to helping students become well-rounded dancers, responsible students, and contributing members of our community.

“We have amazing dancers and coaches,” says Lazarev, “that genuinely care about dance, academics, and one another. I couldn’t imagine a better group to collaborate with in building the Hawks Dance program.”

This fall you can catch the Hawks dancers performing at football games and other home sporting events, participating in school assemblies, and hosting dance clinics for younger dancers in the Happy Valley community.

The team also plans to participate in dance competitions hosted by the Dance Drill Coaches Association of Oregon. The Hawks Dancers are busy learning routines to compete in five categories this fall. They will enter routines in the Jazz, Pom, Novelty, Hip Hop, and Contemporary categories. To prepare for competition, the team spends Saturday mornings training in ballet and technique.

“With a new team setting sail,” states Hawks dancer Jacqui Bouchard, “we set our eyes on the horizon looking forward to a future of passion, growth, and teamwork.”

Follow Hawks Dance through their inaugural season: