By Amanda Peck
Video by Olivia Scott and Molly Hofehler

Being a member of Lariettes for three years guarantees many memories and unforgettable experiences. For me and my friends, the most anticipated event and one talked about long afterwards is the “Larry- Lariette” dance performed at the homecoming game.

This tradition has been going on for the past five years and is much more than just one halftime performance. The practices and bonding time that come along with the tradition is what makes the event so special for both the us and our dads. Dancing together is fun, but the best part is getting to spend some time doing what we love with our dads.

“It is a great opportunity for me to be able to spend some quality time with my daughter,” Steve Reichert, father of Karli Reichert, said. “It’s also fun to go through what my daughter and the Lariettes get to experience in their halftime performances.”

Each year there is a specific theme for the event; this year’s theme being “soul man”, derived from the Blues Brothers. Deciding on the theme isn’t the only preparation we take for the event. Our dads came to the CHS fieldhouse on Saturday, Sept.19 and Tuesday, Sept. 22 for two hours each day in order to learn and practice the dance with us.

Not only do our dads practice on those two dates, they practice at home up until the Friday of the performance.

“I always randomly found my dad practicing the dance in my living room,” senior Meridith Weaver said. “He always gets excited about the dance and tries his best to perform it the best he can.” 

No matter how much our dads practice the dance, it always is a crowd pleaser. The funnier the dads dance, the more the crowd enjoys it. The biggest fans of the performance, in fact, are always our moms. It is a great opportunity for them to watch their husbands and daughters have a good time dancing on the field.

“The Larry- Lariette dance is by far my favorite halftime performance done by the Lariettes,” Sherry Reichert said. “I love watching Karli and her dad having fun together during the performance.”

Even though the majority of the couples are fathers and their daughters, some dads are not able to make the performance for that night. Four of the Silver Spurs, as well as family friends or even relatives, got the opportunity to dance with us for the evening.

The Larry- Lariette halftime performance is an unforgettable experience for us and our dads. Being seniors, performing for the last time with them was sad, but it made it all the more special. The tradition is one of our favorite events of the year and is expected to be continued for many years to come.