OUR OBJECTIVE

The objective of the Star Stepper Dance Team is to foster and build well-rounded young men and women who have a strong sense of unity and purpose for their school and community. Through the art of dance, the Star Steppers strive to demonstrate good fellowship, school spirit, loyalty, and high morals, as well as professional standards.

ABOUT OUR TEAM

The Vista Ridge Star Stepper Dance team was established in 2003 when Vista Ridge opened its doors. The team consists of 10th, 11th, and 12th grade girls, managers, and Star Guards. The team performs all dance styles including high kick, lyrical, pom, hip hop, contemporary and jazz. In addition to performing at all varsity football games, the Star Steppers also perform at pep rallies, community events and compete at regional contests. The Star Steppers conclude their year with an entertaining Spring Show for all ages. They are proud to be a part of the Vista Ridge Family and the one and only RANGER NATION.

OUR AWESOME DIRECTORS

ARACELI LOPEZDIRECTOR

Araceli Lopez is in her 22nd year as the Star Steppers director. Araceli is a charter member of Vista Ridge High School and is proud to have established the Star Stepper program. Araceli is also one of the directors of the Rubies JV Dance Team. Before joining the Ranger Family, she directed the Running Brushy Silver Stars for three years and was Assistant Director of Leander Middle School for one year, making this her 26th year as an educator in Leander ISD.

Araceli is a former dancer of the Tyler Junior College Apache Belles where she served as Dance Captain. Araceli is also a proud Leander High School graduate where she was a member of the Leander Blue Belles. She is a graduate of the University of Texas where she earned a Bachelor in Education. Recently Araceli was named the 2015-16 Director of the Year by the Texas Dance Educators Association.

Araceli has been married to her amazing husband, Roger, for 24 years. They have two beautiful girls, Melayna and Acelia.

JULIANNE WAYASSISTANT DIRECTOR

Julianne Way is entering her 8th year of teaching as the Assistant Director of the Star Steppers and Rubies JV Dance Team. Julianne was raised in Cedar Park, Texas where she attended elementary, middle, and high school in the Leander Independent School District. She attended Vista Ridge High School and was a member of the Star Stepper Dance Team for 3 years and held the position of Captain her senior year.

Following her time at Vista Ridge, Julianne attended Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. During her time at Texas State she was a member of the Strutters Dance Team and held the position of Senior Captain her 4th year on the team. Julianne graduated from Texas State with a BFA in Dance Education.

Julianne is looking forward to her 8th year of teaching and being part of her alma mater and the Star Steppers organization once again.