Austin Bats Dance Team

CONGRATULATIONS to all of these FABulous ladies for making your 2024-2025 Austin Bats Dance Team❣️We can’t wait to see what this season brings us with this growing team full of talented & kindhearted ladies!! ♥️💃♥️💃

Auditions this year was our biggest turnout ever & we couldn’t be more grateful to everyone interested in joining this Dance Fam and we truly hope to see everyone again next season as we continue to grow 🦇🫶

Also a HUGE THANK YOU to for being such a PHENOMENAL judge and inspiration at our auditions!! From being one of our first ever official dance team members to now Captain with her dance team - we couldn’t have asked for a better individual to help throughout this tough audition process.

Next SPOTLIGHT RECOGNITION 🌟
goes out to this Fabulous individual- ‼️
HUGE CONGRATULATIONS on living your dream of dancing in Dallas, for the 🎊🏈🤩🎉
Not only has she been a shining star on the dance team for two years now but is such an incredible person and talent that we had the privilege to have on our Austin Bats Dance Team as well❣️🫶 WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU & LOVE YOU!!!
- Sincerely your former dance coach, Marina Jo 🥰

SPOTLIGHT RECOGNITION 🌟
A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to Former Bats Dancer for making The Astros Shooting Stars Team PLUS she received Employee of the Month from the best organization in the MLB ⚾️🤍🎊🥳😃🙌🫶🎉👏

Y’all we couldn’t be more PROUD of this beautiful talented woman❣️❣️❣️ We had the pleasure of having her a part of our Bats Dance Team for two years and now seeing her shine bright in “space city” with her new Astros family is just incredible but to no surprise because we knew you could do big things!!! Makes my heart SO happy 🥹🥹🥹

We love you Karaline!! 💓
- Sincerely your former dance coach, Marina 🥰

SPOTLIGHT RECOGNITION 🌟CONGRATULATIONS to our Former Bats Dance Team Member, Sydney on her new career as an:
8th Grade Mathematics Teacher, Head Cheerleading Coach & Varsity Soccer Assistant Coach 🎉👏🎊

A Big Thank You as well for having our Dance Director- Marina and two of our Bats Veteran Dancers- Sam & Emily help Judge your new MNTS Cheerleading Team❣️

We loved seeing our girl in her new role as Head Coach & getting to witness all of the great talent her students have!! We saw so much potential and we’re just so excited to be a part of the process while also giving our best advice to all these wonderful future cheerleaders and dancers!

❤️‍🔥 Dance Director & Coach - Marina Jo has some words of wisdom for all fellow dancers👯‍♀️

“Under pressure, we don’t rise to the level of our expectations, we fall to the level of our training.”
This is why it’s important to always practice the way you want to perform.
If you’re always marking pieces, then you will not go full-out and magically get to your spots on stage. Practice killing it in rehearsals in order to kill it on stage.
& Just have fun! Watching someone who’s genuinely enjoying dancing is captivating. ‍If you’re feelin’ it, they’re feelin’ it.
Lastly, Stay Patient and Persistent: Progress in dance takes time and dedication. Be patient with yourself and celebrate small victories along the way. Stay persistent and keep pushing yourself to improve. 💫💫💫

Photography by:

❤️‍🔥 Emily’s advice & quote to you all is:

Dance is a full body workout! All forms of exercise have truly helped me to grow more confident as a dancer: lifting, pilates, yoga, barre, zumba, etc. Experiment with what makes you smile and feel great!

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

Photographed by:

❤️‍🔥 Veteran Becca has a great quote to share + advice for you all:

“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time” - Thomas Edison

Taking class is one of the most important aspects of dance, it’s how you learn! Try to take as many classes from as many different instructors as you can because it is extremely important to be a well rounded dancer🤩

Photography by the amazing:

❤️‍🔥 Veteran Sam, has some great advice for y’all:

Dance tip: “Learn from your teammates or people around you! Ask questions! There’s always something you can learn from someone else to help you better yourself or your craft. You just have to put yourself out there, ask, and learn, even if things seem hard.” ❤️

Quote: “Al mal tiempo, buena cara” - Celia Cruz

Photography by: ❤️‍🔥

❤️‍🔥 Veteran, Sophia’s Dance Tip to all fellow dancers is:

“Take care of your body & set goals! Prioritize self-care, practice proper nutrition, hydration, rest, and recovery to ensure longevity in your dance career. Establish clear short-term and long-term goals to keep yourself motivated and focused on your dance journey!”

“Every dancer knows the freedom that comes from disciplined practice, the joy that comes from creating something beautiful, the fear that comes from taking risks, and the sorrow that comes from loss.”

Photo by:

❤️‍🔥 Andrea’s advice & fav quote to everyone is:

Don’t overthink while practicing and performing. Everything you know is in your muscle memory, just..

“Dance with your heart and your feet will follow”

Photoshoot by:
HMUA:

❤️‍🔥 Sydney’s fav quote & advice to you all is:

“Will Smith has a quote along the lines of “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” It stuck with me because it notes that although you may not have the same level of natural ability in a certain area, by displaying hard work ethic and accountability with tackling your weaker spots, you have the opportunity to be and beat the best of ‘em. At the same time…don’t just compete with the best. Learn from the best as well!”

📸: Fine Art Memories Photography 🫶

❤️‍🔥 Rookie, Christina’s favorite quote is: “Moving at different paces, coming from different spaces
A drum unites our hearts as one.” ~Skyunknown

A dance tip that she has for you all is to always stretch. It is key!

Photography by:

❤️‍🔥 Rookie, Jami’s favorite quote is:
“you can’t move a docked ship. - I love that it shows that all you have to do is Start for any progress to be made.”

Her Dance Tip to you all = “I would just say confidence is key! Don’t compare yourself to others because all it will do is hurt yourself.”

Photography by: 📸

❤️‍🔥Dance Tip from First Year, Deja❣️

Use your space, dance nowadays has become so confined into using a small space and staying within the parameters of a phone. Travel and add musicality, that’ll make you stand out.

“Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch Excellence”

Photography by: 🤍

❤️‍🔥Dance Tip from Veteran Gloria❣️

Off season is the best time to continue working on your technique, endurance, strength and flexibility. A dancer never truly stops training. Keep working towards your dreams 🌟

“Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other”
- Walter Elliot

Professional photos by: 📸🖤

End of season meet up is always bitter sweet 🫶

Couldn’t Thank the 12 Bats Dancers enough for all of their hardwork, dedication, time and professionalism throughout this season 🦇🤍

We are a dance family that hopes to continue doing what we love together while growing as well 💃👯‍♀️👯‍♀️👯‍♀️👯‍♀️

Until next time🤗❤️

Couldn’t thank these 4 ladies enough for taking time out of their weekend to teach kids class - after kids class - after kids class 👯‍♀️🎊🌈💕

Our ladies are a big inspiration to many littles out in our community & we continue to strive to be role models and to share our love for dance 🥰

We had such a fun and happy dance filled day with these wonderful 8-11 year olds from ! You all did incredible!! 👏👏🙌🙌 Thank y’all for taking this workshop with us 👯‍♀️👯‍♀️

& Thank You to veteran, Sophia for teaching this class of fellow dancers 🫶

This is a big reason we love what we do, we get to meet new little friends and share our passion for dance 💜 Huge Thank You to the wonderful dancers from Dancing with Destiny for joining our kids dance class today 🌈 Y’all we’re all so fabulous!!! 👏👏👏

Also big thanks to rookies Sarah & Christina for both teaching their first class together 💕

Had an absolute BLAST with these cuties!!! Thank y’all so much to these little 3&4 year old rockstars for showing out today at our kids dance class 👏👏👏👏💓💓💓💓 You all did AMAZING 🤩

Big Thank You also to our 2nd year veteran, Andrea for instructing her first kids dance class with us 🤗

This Saturday we are so excited to have students take a dance class taught by some of our fellow Bats Dancers 💃🤍 For those who are also interested in their kiddos participating in our kids dance classes between ages 3-11 years old, please contact us to join 🎊

❣️🏀👯‍♀️🦇

Photographed by the one and only

Huge Thank You & Congratulations to former Bats Dancer Jasmine () who is a fabulous Yoga Instructor at and some of our current dancers had the opportunity to take her class & we hope you all can go and support her too! 💟🧘‍♀️

New year, new uniforms, NEW TEAM! ❤️🖤🦇❤️🖤 Meet your 2023-2024 Austin Bats Dance Team! 🥰 Such wonderful ladies from all different walks of life joining together to DANCE, Cheer on your team & support our wonderful Austin Community! ❤️

Huge Thank You to: for this amazing team photoshoot. 📸 As well as to for being our HMUA. 💄 for our wonderful new custom uniforms. 💖 & of course to the incredible city of Austin and all our family, friends & fans for all your love and support 🤍🤍🤍🤍

Also sadly missing one incredible individual from this shoot but of course ecstatic that is a part of this amazing team this season as well 🫶🫶 We absolutely love her soul, fashionable self, who brings so much joy and kindness to this team✨

Welcome Back our 5th Year Dance Director & Coach - Marina Jo!!

What is it that you love about coaching?
🫶 I love being able to share my passion for not only dance but choreography as well with fellow amazing dancers, getting to know and work with such incredible souls, I love being one of their biggest supporters 👏 & helping fellow athletes learn a new dance style/skill and just watching them grow and continue on to the next levels of dance 💃

If you had the chance to meet a famous dancer, who would it be and why?
🤩 This is really hard to answer since there are so many incredible dancers I’d love to meet and wish to dance with one day😏 from the Jabbawockeez, Beyonce, Brinn Nicole, to JLo, & Chris Brown. All amazing performers 🎆

What advice would you give to aspiring dancers?
❣️Don’t let the “no’s” of this world tear you down. & never give up! because if it was a different panel of judges that could easily have turned into a yes, so just keep working on fine tuning your skills, give it all you got but keep on enjoying your passion and continue going.

How has dancing inspired you?
🥰 Dance has been a huge part of what made me, me. It taught me resilience & that if you truly put your all in something you can make it happen. Just by dancing, it helps me mentally and physically to get out of any funk and out of my head and makes me just feel free and so happy. & Dance continues to inspire me now as a Coach every day.

Favorite hobbies?
🌈 Spending quality time with my family, watching tv, yoga, exploring new places, dancing of course & running.

Education:
🎓 Graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Journalism

Photo by the phenomenal:

From the Austin Bats, We Wish Everyone a Happy New Year 🎆🖤
.
Huge thank you to the wonderful for the professional photos 🫶

Welcome back our 5th year Veteran - Sophia❣️😍

What is it that you love about dance? I love connecting to the music and expressing emotions with every movement. Dance gives me a confidence that allows me to share my passion with others.

If you had the chance to meet a famous dancer, who would it be and why? I’ve always admired the Radio City Rocketts and thier iconic style, professionalism and stage presence. Having an opportunity to meet a Rockette or attend one of thier shows would be amazing!

What advice would you give to aspiring dancers?
Embrace diverse styles, practice consistently, and don’t fear mistakes—they’re part of the learning process. Seek constructive feedback, stay persistent, and most importantly, dance with passion and authenticity.

How has dancing inspired you?
Dance has inspired me to grow not only as a performer but as an individual. Dance has instilled in me courage, commitment and resilience on and off the stage.

Favorite hobbies?
-Dance
-Pageantry
-Trying new recipes
-Crafting and decorating
-Participating in community events
-Reading faith based inspirational books
-Enjoying time with my family & our 3 Chihuahuas

Education: Bachelors in Fashion Merchandising from Texas State University.

Photography by: 📷📸

Say hello once again to 2nd year Veteran - Gloria❣️😍

What is it that you love about dance?
The feeling of self-expression and letting go. Each one of us has our own story and battles. When I’m dancing, all my emotions pour out and I’m able to live in that moment. I engage with the audience and tell my story each time I perform. Dance truly brings joy to my heart. ♥️

If you had the chance to meet a famous dancer, who would it be and why?
I’d love to meet Misty Copeland! She’s broken stereotypes and is an inspiration to many dancers. She teachers us that you CAN be successful if you’re determined, have courage and set your mind to your goal. 🩰

What advice would you give to aspiring dancers?
Never give up! Even when times get hard and you don’t fee like you can accomplish your next skill, use that energy to refocus and practice your heart out. It will all be worth it! ❤️

How has dancing inspired you?
Dancing has built my confidence and has motivated me to embrace myself. Through professional dancing, I love transpiring my kindness and demonstrating my leadership. 🤩

Favorite hobbies?
✨traveling with my husband
✨all things dog mom with my fur babies Angel & Gracie
✨shopping
✨time with family and friends
✨taking dance classes

Education:
✨M. Ed. in Education in Guidance & Counseling from Angelo State University
✨B. A. in Psychology with minor in Dance from Texas State University

📸 Photography by: 📸

A Big Welcome to 1st year - Jami❣️😍

What is it that you love about dance?
- I love getting to perform!

If you had the chance to meet a famous dancer, who would it be and why?
- probably one of the dance moms girls because that show was my childhood

What advice would you give to aspiring dancers?
- you just have to start! It doesn’t matter how old you are :)

How has dancing inspired you?
- it’s inspired me to be more conscious of what my body needs and has taught me how to listen to it and fuel it!

Favorite hobbies?
- I love interior design :)

Education
- I went to the university of Missouri and was captain of mizzou club dance !!

Photo by the incredible

Everyone help me Welcome 1st year - Sydney❣️😍

What is it that you love about dance? I love using dance as an opportunity to connect with myself and with others. Whenever I’m in a funk, I dance. When I’m celebrating, I dance. When I need an activity for the classroom, I throw on some music and the students (doesn’t matter what age!) are moving! I love that dance is the most freeing, yet accessible form of kinetic expression.

If you had the chance to meet a famous dancer, who would it be and why? I would love to meet Alyssa Edwards because she murdered every lip sync and every dance challenge on RuPaul’s Drag Race. She also seems to really take care of her dancers at her studio in Mesquite. Off-stage she has an enigmatic, captivating energy that translates on-stage.

What advice would you give to aspiring dancers? Never stop stretching and never stop moving! My flexibility has helped me so much over the years and the fact that I dance for at least 30 minutes a day is the only reason I have a shred of stamina.

How has dancing inspired you? Through Austin Bats, dance has inspired me to connect with other women who share their passion of dance with me. Through Gogo dancing, I’ve been inspired to explore the world by getting booked on all sorts of fun gigs.

Favorite hobbies? Dancing (duh!), baking sweets, sewing fun outfits, and eating my husband’s delicious food.

Education: B.A. in Mass Communication with a minor in Health Communication from Texas State University, TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) Certification, Texas Teaching Certification (in progress)

Photo by: