“As a former Silver Dancer, I was devastated when the team was taken away,” said Nicole Nava, 47, who was on the squad for two seasons, from 1999 to 2001. “We’ve been wanting to bring them back forever. For us alumni, this is a legacy.”
Nava is the owner of San Antonio Spirit, a cheer and dance facility on the city’s Northwest Side. When she learned auditions for the new squad were being held in July, she saw an opportunity for her and fellow alumni to help those aspiring Silver Dancers prepare for tryouts by offering prep classes focused on reviewing choreography and improving performance quality.
The first round of Silver Dancers auditions for the 2026-27 season took place earlier this month through video submissions. Final auditions, which are by invitation only, were held July 17-19.
“We wanted to empower these women and encourage them to pursue the same experience we did,” Nava said. “Now that the Silver Dancers are back, we want it to be successful. We’re like a sisterhood.”
Tina Alanis, current head dance teacher at LEE High School and a Silver Dancer from 2004 to 2010, is thrilled to see the squad return. As an educator, she says the comeback gives a new generation of young women the chance to pursue their dream of performing at the professional level.
“I had former students ask me if they should try out, and I said, ‘Do it! You don’t want to have any regrets,’” Alanis, 41, said. “I also had my principal ask me if I was trying out again. I was like, ‘Absolutely not!’”
Although her days as a Silver Dancer are behind her, Alanis hopes to help the next generation succeed by sharing the experience and perspective she gained during her time with the team.
“For those who made it to the final audition, I would tell them to walk in with confidence, be yourself and show your personality,” she said. “It’s not just about technique and what skills you have. It’s about who you are and what you can bring to the team.”
Alanis said some of her closest friendships were formed during her years as a Silver Dancer. She keeps in touch with many of her former teammates through group texts and social media. She hopes to share those experiences with the new squad and remain involved as the organization moves forward.
“I truly believe keeping alumni involved in any organization is key,” Alanis said. “It builds a rapport. It’s important they know they have our support.”
Melissa Rodriguez Martinez, who was a Silver Dancer from 1994 to 2000, hopes the Spurs can help connect the former squads with the new generation of dancers. She said the quick turnaround – from the announcement of the team’s return to the audition process – may explain why she hasn’t heard of any alumni invited to help.
“We just want the best for them,” Martinez, 51, said. “We know things are going to be different, but they should bridge that gap. We want the legacy and the tradition to continue. We don’t want to feel like strangers.”