Outside of the gym during the Solomon High School dance team practice, the sounds of laughter echo off the walls. It fills the halls and begs the question if practice is really going on. The girls all giggle and joke while working hard on routines and skills.
“Dance is really good as a release for emotion,” said Megan LePage, senior and team captain. “It doesn’t matter if you're good or not, dancing is for everyone.”
The dance team is known as the “Dazzlers” and is very welcoming to anyone who wants to join.
They truly dazzled at their last two performances. The first number was a jazz performance to the song, “Kill the Lights,” by Jess Glynne, and the second another jazz performance to a Mariah Carey Christmas remix.
“I was so proud of myself and everyone,” said LePage. “I think we are building something really good because we haven't had a good dance team in a while. I am very happy with how things are going.”
It's not just performance that drove the girls to join.
“I have a passion for dance,” said sophomore member Elise Baier. “[I love] Interacting and how close we have become and doing what I love with the people I love.”
The girls wouldn’t be what they are without their coach Jodi Howard.
“I enjoy pushing the button to turn the music on, and that there isn't any drama and we have a job and we get it done and the girls are excited about learning the dances and they just have fun,'' said Howard.
The team was founded by Megan and Jodi.
“So many people came up to me and asked if we were going to have one,” said LePage. “I think people wanted something different and it's very different compared to cheer. It's less strict and more flowy.”
Love for dance is what brought the girls in but they also just wanted to have fun.
“I love the people that I'm with this year,” said LePage. ‘It has been a struggle with dance partially. I think I got a little burnt out, the dance team really brought back the joy, dance has always been a part of my life. I love being able to go dance and let all my emotions out. I think I'm building back my love for dance. I love the girls.”
Megan isn't the only one who loves being around the other members.
“I have never been with a group of dancers who have vibed so well together, if you are in a bad mood by the time we leave practice you're not,” said Nicole Price, senior. “That's what dance should be about.”
“Whether you are an athlete or just a regular student, high school should be about the hype and the games, and I think you should still come support,” LePage. “I support all athletes and all dancers and I feel people should focus more on that.”
Photo by Jodi Howard
Editing by Taytum Anderson