About Us
The Highsteppers have been a part of The Woodlands High School since the school first opened its doors. Since then, the team has become a mainstay in our community and works hard every year to continue the tradition of exemplary team dance and high personal character exhibited by the teams before them.
HISTORY
Kathy Harlan founded The Highstepper organization in 1976 at McCullough High School. Mrs. Harlan pioneered the unique Highstepper style that has thrived for over 47 years. Her background in gymnastics and synchronized swimming shaped the precision and technique that define the Highstepper style.
TRADITION
The Highsteppers are a cherished tradition from the original McCullough High School campus in The Woodlands. The uniform, designed by Mrs. Harlan, has remained unchanged since the beginning. One of the first experiences for every new Highstepper is learning who their "big sister" will be. Senior Highsteppers are paired with new members to help them transition into the organization. Each "big sister" gives her "little sister" small gifts throughout the year, including the long-standing personalized towel dancers use to warm cold bleacher seats during football games.
THE SHOES
The iconic Highstepper "shoe" was originally a green and white saddle oxford that was discontinued in the early '90s. Mrs. Harlan found a way to preserve this tradition by having white leather Keds customized with green leather, made by The Woodlands Shoe Hospital. Each Highstepper will purchase and wear multiple pairs of these shoes throughout their time on the team. With the demands of practice, performance, and competition, it's normal for each dancer to go through several pairs each year. It's a tradition for dancers to wear their shoes until they fall apart. At the end of each year, graduating seniors pass down their shoes to younger team members as keepsakes. While they may seem to have no value, to team members, these shoes represent the hard work, sacrifice, success, camaraderie, and commitment they experience together as Highsteppers.
OUR LEGACY AND MISSION
A testament to the longevity and consistency of the Highsteppers is the fact that mothers, daughters, and sisters, despite the years between them, have shared the same Highstepper experiences. Many in the stands have the unique pleasure of watching as younger family members follow in their Highstepper footsteps. The uniform, the practice, the teamwork, and of course, the shoes, remain as integral to the Highsteppers today as they were years ago.
The Highsteppers are a non-profit, performance-based organization. The primary purpose of the team is to provide daily opportunities that instill positive life skills, self-motivation, and responsible choices to ensure future success in personal, professional, and social growth. Through group activities, team-building exercises, and mentorship programs, members are encouraged to develop meaningful relationships. These friendships not only enhance the overall experience of being part of the organization but also contribute to a sense of community among participants.