Hamilton’s dance team is a big contributor to the school’s overall spirit. The team is made up of dancers coached by Ms. Douglas. The Hamilton Dance Team performs at school events to cheer on players for sports.
The team is also made up of multiple grade levels, commonly going from 10th grade to 12th grade.
One of the dance team’s AMPA sophomores, Ariana Guardado, said that she was interested in joining the team because she was ready to begin participating in fun events that involved dance.
“I decided to try out for the dance team because I love being a part of something, especially if it’s something I love doing,” said Ariana. “It also opens more opportunities.”
The dance team’s tryouts are done every year, having prospective members show off their skills. Many of the girls on the team agreed with Ariana, stating that they all had an interest in dance, even for their future.
Simone Pharris, an AMPA junior, said that she was interested in the team since her freshman year. She said that her hope is to continue dancing as a profession, so being on the dance team helped her excel in her pursuit of that.
“Dancing means a lot to me and I want to go into professional dancing,” said Simone. “It’s genuinely my dream job.”
Simone said that while she is very interested in dance in the future, the team is a lot of work to keep up with, but it is helpful.
She said, “I feel like I get extra practice and I am improving in a lot of things.”
Ariana said that she finds joy in being able to connect with new people because of the team, and that the experience during performances brings her closer to her teammates.
Ariana said, “Getting to make new friends and getting really close with the people on the team is really nice.”
The dance team also has their student captain that assists the team alongside Ms. Douglas. Tyler Oko is a senior in AMPA and the dance team’s captain. Tyler said that she has been dancing since she was young, so being on the dance team was her goal since freshman year.
“All freshman year it was my goal to be a part of this team I’ve admired for a long time, so I tried out to fulfill my little dream and I made it,” Tyler said. “Dancing is really everything to me… so I can’t imagine my life without it.”
Tyler has been on the dance team since her freshman year, being able to build upon her skills and help choreograph pieces for four years straight.
She said that the team is important to her, even if things become stressful to handle when she has a lot of work to do.
“As the captain, it can be really fun, enjoyable, and satisfying as I see my team moving forward and performing well,” said Tyler. “But it can also be extremely difficult trying to work towards being clean when we have multiple performances coming at us all at the same time.”
Ariana said that the constant dancing helps her mentally.
“I do enjoy dancing,” Ariana said. “I love being able to interpret dance with my moves or my face. It’s freeing in a way.”
With all of the contribution from the dancers, Tyler said that she feels honored to be able to help the girls on the team. Tyler described it as a “little family full of love.”
Mainly, Tyler said she is committed to making the dance team enjoyable for the girls.
“This team is everything to me,” she said. “I’ve been on the team for four years and have put my heart and soul into it every year.”
