The Highstepper organization was formed in 1976 at McCullough High School by
founder and director Kathy Harlan. Mrs. Harlan was also the founder of all junior
high drill team programs in the Conroe Independent School District. Mrs. Harlan
came to McCullough High School in 1976 from Washington Jr. High when the 2nd
high school in the district opened and the first splitting of schools occurred. She is
the pioneer of the unique Highstepper style that is 33 years strong. Her background
is in gymnastics and synchronized swimming which explains the unique precision
and technique demonstrated by the team both then and now. The Highstepper
organization has had only two directors over the past 33 years: Kathy Harlan from
1976 to 1998 and Deanna Smith from 1998 to the present. Director Smith was a
Highstepper under Mrs. Harlan's tutelage from 1979 to 1982.
The original team consisted of 35 young women. Then, as now, the team members
were chosen by a panel of judges, usually former Highsteppers themselves. They
are judged in the area of kick height, technique and overall dance technique.
founder and director Kathy Harlan. Mrs. Harlan was also the founder of all junior
high drill team programs in the Conroe Independent School District. Mrs. Harlan
came to McCullough High School in 1976 from Washington Jr. High when the 2nd
high school in the district opened and the first splitting of schools occurred. She is
the pioneer of the unique Highstepper style that is 33 years strong. Her background
is in gymnastics and synchronized swimming which explains the unique precision
and technique demonstrated by the team both then and now. The Highstepper
organization has had only two directors over the past 33 years: Kathy Harlan from
1976 to 1998 and Deanna Smith from 1998 to the present. Director Smith was a
Highstepper under Mrs. Harlan's tutelage from 1979 to 1982.
The original team consisted of 35 young women. Then, as now, the team members
were chosen by a panel of judges, usually former Highsteppers themselves. They
are judged in the area of kick height, technique and overall dance technique.
The Highsteppers are the one constant from the original
McCullough High School campus located in The Woodlands. The
uniform, designed by Kathy Harlan, has remained the same since
its beginning. The Highstepper "shoe" was an original green and
white saddle oxford that was discontinued in the early '90's. Mrs.
Harlan figured out a way to keep the shoe by having white leather
Keds made to resemble the oxford using green leather and a visit
to The Woodlands Shoe Hospital.
One of the first experiences every Freshman Highstepper has is
learning who will be her "big sister". Seniors are paired off 1-to-1
with Freshmen to help them with the transition into the
Highsteppers as well as high school. Each "big sister" provides her
"little sister" with small gifts throughout the year...some for
fun...others more practical (the towels each dancer uses to warm
the cold bleacher seats are "big sister" gifts). They offer advice,
helpful pointers on a difficult dance routine, and most importantly,
an example of what it means to be a Highstepper. This tradition
has produced friendships that last long after high school.
A testament to the longevity and consistency of The Highsteppers
is the fact that there are mothers and daughters who, despite the
difference in years, have shared the same experiences as
Highsteppers. There are many mom's in the stands today who
have the unique pleasure of watching their daughters perform as
Highsteppers, the same as them. The uniform, the practice, the
teamwork, and of course, the shoes, are as much a part of The
Highsteppers today as they were years ago.
McCullough High School campus located in The Woodlands. The
uniform, designed by Kathy Harlan, has remained the same since
its beginning. The Highstepper "shoe" was an original green and
white saddle oxford that was discontinued in the early '90's. Mrs.
Harlan figured out a way to keep the shoe by having white leather
Keds made to resemble the oxford using green leather and a visit
to The Woodlands Shoe Hospital.
One of the first experiences every Freshman Highstepper has is
learning who will be her "big sister". Seniors are paired off 1-to-1
with Freshmen to help them with the transition into the
Highsteppers as well as high school. Each "big sister" provides her
"little sister" with small gifts throughout the year...some for
fun...others more practical (the towels each dancer uses to warm
the cold bleacher seats are "big sister" gifts). They offer advice,
helpful pointers on a difficult dance routine, and most importantly,
an example of what it means to be a Highstepper. This tradition
has produced friendships that last long after high school.
A testament to the longevity and consistency of The Highsteppers
is the fact that there are mothers and daughters who, despite the
difference in years, have shared the same experiences as
Highsteppers. There are many mom's in the stands today who
have the unique pleasure of watching their daughters perform as
Highsteppers, the same as them. The uniform, the practice, the
teamwork, and of course, the shoes, are as much a part of The
Highsteppers today as they were years ago.
Perhaps the most famous Highstepper tradition concerns "the
shoes". Over the course of a year, each Highstepper will
purchase and wear multiple pairs of the "Highstepper Keds"
shoes. Between practice, performances and competition, it is
considered normal for each dancer to go through 5 - 7 pair in
one school year. It is a matter of pride and tradition for the
dancers to wear their Keds until they literally fall apart. Check
the shoes at any practice and you'll find team members
wearing grungy shoes with holes in them and the soles falling
off. These shoes have been glued, re-glued, duct-taped,
tied-on and even stapled back together so many times they
are hardly recognizable. At the end of every year the
graduating seniors pass their shoes down to younger drill
team members as keepsakes. The more worn, grungy and
taped together the shoes become, the more prized they are.
When seen by others, these beat-up shoes would seem to
have little to no value whatsoever. However, to these young
ladies, they represent the hard work, sacrifice, success,
camaraderie and commitment each one of them experienced
together as Highsteppers. They symbolize membership in a
very special family.
shoes". Over the course of a year, each Highstepper will
purchase and wear multiple pairs of the "Highstepper Keds"
shoes. Between practice, performances and competition, it is
considered normal for each dancer to go through 5 - 7 pair in
one school year. It is a matter of pride and tradition for the
dancers to wear their Keds until they literally fall apart. Check
the shoes at any practice and you'll find team members
wearing grungy shoes with holes in them and the soles falling
off. These shoes have been glued, re-glued, duct-taped,
tied-on and even stapled back together so many times they
are hardly recognizable. At the end of every year the
graduating seniors pass their shoes down to younger drill
team members as keepsakes. The more worn, grungy and
taped together the shoes become, the more prized they are.
When seen by others, these beat-up shoes would seem to
have little to no value whatsoever. However, to these young
ladies, they represent the hard work, sacrifice, success,
camaraderie and commitment each one of them experienced
together as Highsteppers. They symbolize membership in a
very special family.
About Us
Looking Back - Highstepper History
Highstepper Traditions
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| ____________________________________________________________________________________________ The information supplied throughout this web site has been provided by TWHS Highsteppers Parent Club. Please contact the Webmaster if you have any questions or comments. |
| Practice stinks...but we love the "SHOES" |