Performing takes a lot out of dancers. They work hard, day and night, to memorize their choreography so that when they hit the stage, they can do what they do best: dance. There are physical injuries that come from performing. Dancers do some of their best dancing in the week leading up to show night. When they perform, they are going all out, leaving the possibility for serious injury.
Dance is known to be a stress reliever and a good way to get peace of mind and free movement. While many dancers do get to experience the cathartic feeling that is performing for an audience, many also feel the overwhelming stress. A lot of Millbrook dancers put an immense amount of pressure on themselves to dance perfectly every single time. While this is seen in all arts and sports, it is found exceedingly in the dance community. Many Millbrook dancers also dance outside of school at places like CC&Co. Some dancers are in a dance class as well as being on Millbrook’s Wildcat Pride Dance Team. They perform at their own competitions as well as Millbrook events like pep rallies and football games. Dance team and proficient dance class member, Kat Cruz said, “I wouldn’t say it takes a negative toll on me mentally. Sure there are times that I definitely don’t feel as confident in something or become overwhelmed, but that’s all a part of the experience and as time goes on it gets better and easier.”
The dance classes are separated into four different levels. There is beginner, intermediate, proficient, and advanced. Proficient contains the IB standard level as well as students who are proficient level. Advanced contains IB higher level students as well as advanced level students. Senior Cloey Frankel in the advanced dance class described one moment she felt stress while dancing. “Last season when I was dancing competitively, we had this huge lift in the middle of our dance that required most of our team. The lift looked beautiful, and we pulled it off multiple times during practice, but everything is different when you’re on stage at a comp. We are moving to our spots to start the lift, and I just remember being so out of breath from the fast choreography right before I didn’t know how our lift was about to go. We performed the stunt, and it just looked and felt so beautiful! Those stressful times and feelings occur so often while on stage, but it’s how you overcome them that matters.”
Overall dancing is a beautiful way to express yourself. Dance teacher at Millbrook, Darius Anthony described the feeling perfectly by saying, “When I am on stage, I feel free. Free to express myself and share my talents with others. When I perform I am not thinking about performing for the audience but allowing an audience to get a glimpse inside my head.”
