OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma City begins its competitive dance season this week with another season full of high expectations after a top-four finish last year.
 
The national powerhouse program was fourth at the NAIA last year and the national NDA Team Performance champions. OCU also had a top-three finish in hip-hop.
 
Head Coach Tasha Hinex hasn't been one to shy away from making changes, and those decisions were golden last season.
 
"We had a decent NAIA season and ended in the top four at NAIA nationals," said Hinex. "When we went to NDA nationals, going into the finals round, we were in second for Team Performance and made the decision the night before to make some changes, and it worked out because we ended up as national champions. And for hip-hop, we were also in a lower placement in the preliminary round and bumped up to a medal-placing round in the top three. I think those events set us up for how we would like to go into this season."
 
Obviously, a strong foundation exists for the program, but contentment has not been a part of the recipe.
 
"The ones returning have a high expectation level and standard that matches the expectations I have for the team," said Hinex. "And I know it sounds like that should be a given, but sometimes it's hard when you have a high expectation level and standards, and not everybody is on board; it truly affects the entire team."
 
Those experienced dancers are going to be counted on again this year, both in the routine and in developing the culture for the newcomers.
 
"Really and truly, all of the returners (Hannah Miller, EmmaLu Clayton, Makayla Messaris, Alyssa Seratte, Jillian Gutierrez, Madison Dennis) are in a pivotal position for the routine, and because they are such key players, they really helped the vibe of bringing in the recruits to build upon their level of excellence." 
 
Who are some newcomers that you believe will make an impact this season? 
I believe all of the newcomers will make an impact: Jonathan Ballard, Lea Valero, Abby Koehn, Hannah Lieberoff, Kamila Zepeda. We get a chance to showcase all of their personalities," Hinex said.
 
The measure of the season aren't measured in the hardware, Hinex said, but in the performance itself.
 
"Our goal is to just to continue to work as a team and push the boundaries for the group! If we're happy with the performance, the results shouldn't phase us," said Hinex.
 
The season begins Friday at the Falcons Invite, hosted by Friends University in Wichita, Kan. Baker and St. Mary, two other teams who finished in the top 12 at NAIA nationals last season, are competing in the same event. Also participating are Ottawa, Bethel, Kansas Wesleyan and Southwestern (Kan.).