In the world of high school dance, the Warde Dance Team is making waves as they prepare for their biggest challenge yet: Nationals. Under the guidance of Coach Meg, this small but mighty team has transformed from a group of individual dancers into a tightly-knit family, ready to take on the best in the country.
“We really had to rebuild this team and start with pretty much nothing last year,” Coach Meg reflects. “We’ve been working to not only grow in numbers but also in skill.” This commitment to development has inspired the dancers to fully embrace their training, focusing on strengthening their bodies, conditioning, and refining their techniques.
The team’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. For many dancers, like sophomore Michelle-Mora-Cyrus, improving coordination and timing has been a rewarding challenge. “It’s something I know I can improve on,” she says confidently. Freshmen like Gabi Cosenza and Hailee Infante have had to adjust to the transition from studio dance to the high school team, stepping out of their comfort zones to learn new genres.
At the heart of the Warde Dance Team’s success is their strong sense of community. “There’s absolutely a strong sense of community,” Coach Meg emphasizes. “We’re a small group, and that has allowed us to become very connected.” This bond is fostered through intense training sessions and shared experiences, particularly during summer camp.
Sophomore Mayerli Castaneda highlights how this closeness benefits their improvement: “Because the team is such a close family, we all grow together.” The atmosphere during practice is described as upbeat and productive, with the team focusing on learning new routines and perfecting their techniques.
As nationals approach, Coach Meg stresses the importance of the overall experience. “While winning is great, I want them to embrace the experience and feel proud of their hard work. It’s about creating lasting memories,” she says.
The excitement among the dancers is palpable. Senior Mencia Gonzalez looks forward to “dancing at Disney and having fun with my teammates and coaches and meeting other teams from around the country.” Her fellow senior, Brianna Aguilar, echoes this sentiment, expressing her eagerness to witness “other team’s choreographies and meeting new girls.”
For Coach Meg, coaching is more than just a job—it’s a passion rooted in her own experiences as a dancer. “Dance has always been the thing that has gotten me out of dark places, and I wanted to share that with my dancers,” she reveals. This personal connection resonates with the team, reinforcing their sense of belonging within the dance community.
As the Warde Dance Team prepares for nationals, their journey reflects the hard work, dedication, and resilience they’ve shown throughout the season. Regardless of the outcome, the memories they create, the friendships they strengthen, and the joy of dancing together will stay with them long after the competition ends.
With their hearts set on the stage, the Warde Dance Team is ready to showcase their talents, unity, and passion for dance, shining brightly at nationals and beyond.