For some students, high school is defined by academics or athletics. But for those who step into the dance studio, it’s about movement, expression, and creativity. Whether they’re perfecting pirouettes, mastering jazz routines, or simply moving to the beat, the students in dance class find more than just rhythm.
“Dance changed my high school experience because it showed me that high school is not just about studying and doing work, you can also have fun and learn many different things,”Said freshman Yehimi Lucio Ramirez. “When I’m dancing, I feel free. I feel like I can express myself. It’s like everything around me is just kind of blurred out for a second. It’s just peaceful, calm, and quiet and when you’re just focusing on what you’re doing it’s entertaining not just for you but also for others.”
Joining the dance class can be intimidating. Some come in with years of experience, while others have never danced before. Dance class isn’t just for experienced dancers, it’s for anyone willing to step out of their comfort zone and try something new.
“Just give it a try,” said dance teacher Amanda Pittman. “There are so many physical and health benefits to dancing but it is a fun experience. You don’t have to have any previous knowledge or skills. I will teach you everything you need to know and make sure you are 100% ready for the show. It might just become your favorite class.”
“If I could convince someone shy to try dance, the advice I would give them is to feel the music and feel yourself and express yourself. Blur out any noise or anyone, focus on yourself and on what you’re doing, don’t stress about it just enjoy. Have fun and everything‘s gonna be okay.” said Lucio Ramirez.
The encouragement of friends or family might also spark an interest in dance.
“What inspired me to dance is when I was younger, my little cousin would always dance and I would always see her at her dance shows and I would always be like wow like that could be me Said Lucio Ramirez.
and it just looked really fun, and ever since I just like to dance and do everything.”
Beyond the physical demands, the class teaches valuable life skills, every class is an opportunity to grow; not just as dancers, but as individuals. Pittman fosters an environment where mistakes are part of the learning process.
“The biggest challenge is probably when students don’t want to put in the work to get better,” explained Pittman, “when a student comes in lazy or with bad energy it brings down the whole class. When we have a class full of students that want to be there and want to get better we can accomplish so much. I try to create a classroom environment that students feel comfortable in. We play music, have fun lighting, and work towards a common goal for the end of the semester show. I want students to look forward to this class and find joy in it.”
Beyond the physical demands, the class teaches valuable life skills, every class is an opportunity to grow; not just as dancers, but as individuals. Pittman fosters an environment where mistakes are part of the learning process.
“The hard part about dance at first would be learning how to do spins and pirouettes because to do a spin you have to find balance and it’s like you have to try not to get dizzy.” Explained Lucio Ramirez, “Another thing that’s also hard learning is the splits, but as you’re stretching you’re getting more flexible.”
Students learn that progress isn’t always instant but with hard work, dedication, and a supportive team, improvement is inevitable.
“If I were able to describe the atmosphere in my dance class, I would say that it is fun;” said Lucio Ramirez, “you get to work together and help each other all while learning different things about each other.”
