Leslie Finley
What was the size of the team?
Anywhere from 65-70 team members
Did or does the team size change from year to year?
Absolutely, it changes as the season progresses. There is always fluctuation in numbers; line members don’t meet standards to stay on the team, or she decides this team isn’t for her after all.
Did you have any dislikes about Rangerettes?
Yes, it’s a very controlled environment. It’s difficult to have your own voice and grow as an independent young adult.
What is your best memory from Rangerettes?
One particular memory doesn’t come to mind. Being part of a group and experiencing things together, making lifetime friends.
What type of dances did the Rangerettes do?
A lot of high-kick, jazz and prop routines during football season. Adding tapping, novelty and lyrical for Revels.
Was the uniform the same as it is now?
Yes, it’s infamous
How did being a part of Rangerettes help you to do what you do now?
Confidence and discipline
Did you go travel to any special places while with the Rangerettes?
Chicago, New York & Indianapolis were the big ones; as well as 2 Cotton Bowl performances, 2 Dallas Cowboys games, and numerous parades all over the great state of Texas
What years were you a part of the Rangerettes program?
I was a member of the 63rd line; 2002-2004
What do you miss the most about being a part of the Rangerettes program?
Friendships
What dance experience do you have, as a dancer/teacher/director?
Studio dancer from the age of 3-16 years old. Drill team member and officer at Friendswood High School (2000-2002). Dance major, Rangerette and Swingster at Kilgore College (2002-2004), Dance major at University of Texas in Austin (2004-2007), STEEL Dance Company member (2004-2007), Judge for Showtime Int. (2006-Present), Instructor of Dance (2003-Present)
What are some of the highlights as your time as a dancer or teacher?
As a dancer, I loved connecting with the piece I was performing. Whether it is finding the humor or sorrow, dancing is an incredibly emotional experience. As an instructor, I enjoy watching my girls try new things and achieve that feeling of accomplishment when they master it.
What do you believe is the most important part of drill team?
Unity, a feeling that doesn’t come in the class room. Being a team comes with a lot of individual obstacles, yet the fulfillment of a greater success.
What life lessons did you learn by being involved in drill team?
Self discipline, confidence, and integrity
Anything extra that we could include on a bio of you on our website?
Miss Leslie Finley is currently in her second year working on her Doctorate at Texas Chiropractic College in Pasadena, TX. She grew up in Friendswood, Texas where she started dance at the age of 3. She danced in private studios up to the age of 16, studying ballet, tap, jazz, modern, and musical theatre. In high school she was chosen as a Friendswood Wranglerette and performed as both a line member and in the Dream ensemble, and was chosen as a dance officer her senior year. After high school, Leslie was not ready to give up on dancing. For two years, Leslie performed as a Kilgore College dance major, Rangerette and Swingster. She went on to continue her education at the University of Texas where she completed a Bachelor of Art in Dance along with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology while performing in STEEL Dance Company and teaching at 620 Dance Center in Austin, Texas. In 2006, she joined on staff with Showtime International as a judge and instructor. Currently, Leslie teaches both jazz and ballet at Dancescape by Joyce in Pearland, TX.
Any additional comments that you would like to share:
As a student of Chiropractic, I feel privileged to combine my skill of art with the education of science. I aspire to bring my practices of dance into the health field in order to help young dancers, athletes, and all other patients with physical ailments and overall health. Drill team has helped me attain the discipline needed to further my education and the quiet confidence and poise that is desired while working with patients. I know that without my experiences as a dancer, I would not be where I am today.
Anywhere from 65-70 team members
Did or does the team size change from year to year?
Absolutely, it changes as the season progresses. There is always fluctuation in numbers; line members don’t meet standards to stay on the team, or she decides this team isn’t for her after all.
Did you have any dislikes about Rangerettes?
Yes, it’s a very controlled environment. It’s difficult to have your own voice and grow as an independent young adult.
What is your best memory from Rangerettes?
One particular memory doesn’t come to mind. Being part of a group and experiencing things together, making lifetime friends.
What type of dances did the Rangerettes do?
A lot of high-kick, jazz and prop routines during football season. Adding tapping, novelty and lyrical for Revels.
Was the uniform the same as it is now?
Yes, it’s infamous
How did being a part of Rangerettes help you to do what you do now?
Confidence and discipline
Did you go travel to any special places while with the Rangerettes?
Chicago, New York & Indianapolis were the big ones; as well as 2 Cotton Bowl performances, 2 Dallas Cowboys games, and numerous parades all over the great state of Texas
What years were you a part of the Rangerettes program?
I was a member of the 63rd line; 2002-2004
What do you miss the most about being a part of the Rangerettes program?
Friendships
What dance experience do you have, as a dancer/teacher/director?
Studio dancer from the age of 3-16 years old. Drill team member and officer at Friendswood High School (2000-2002). Dance major, Rangerette and Swingster at Kilgore College (2002-2004), Dance major at University of Texas in Austin (2004-2007), STEEL Dance Company member (2004-2007), Judge for Showtime Int. (2006-Present), Instructor of Dance (2003-Present)
What are some of the highlights as your time as a dancer or teacher?
As a dancer, I loved connecting with the piece I was performing. Whether it is finding the humor or sorrow, dancing is an incredibly emotional experience. As an instructor, I enjoy watching my girls try new things and achieve that feeling of accomplishment when they master it.
What do you believe is the most important part of drill team?
Unity, a feeling that doesn’t come in the class room. Being a team comes with a lot of individual obstacles, yet the fulfillment of a greater success.
What life lessons did you learn by being involved in drill team?
Self discipline, confidence, and integrity
Anything extra that we could include on a bio of you on our website?
Miss Leslie Finley is currently in her second year working on her Doctorate at Texas Chiropractic College in Pasadena, TX. She grew up in Friendswood, Texas where she started dance at the age of 3. She danced in private studios up to the age of 16, studying ballet, tap, jazz, modern, and musical theatre. In high school she was chosen as a Friendswood Wranglerette and performed as both a line member and in the Dream ensemble, and was chosen as a dance officer her senior year. After high school, Leslie was not ready to give up on dancing. For two years, Leslie performed as a Kilgore College dance major, Rangerette and Swingster. She went on to continue her education at the University of Texas where she completed a Bachelor of Art in Dance along with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology while performing in STEEL Dance Company and teaching at 620 Dance Center in Austin, Texas. In 2006, she joined on staff with Showtime International as a judge and instructor. Currently, Leslie teaches both jazz and ballet at Dancescape by Joyce in Pearland, TX.
Any additional comments that you would like to share:
As a student of Chiropractic, I feel privileged to combine my skill of art with the education of science. I aspire to bring my practices of dance into the health field in order to help young dancers, athletes, and all other patients with physical ailments and overall health. Drill team has helped me attain the discipline needed to further my education and the quiet confidence and poise that is desired while working with patients. I know that without my experiences as a dancer, I would not be where I am today.