As the new school year begins, the Woodbridge High Dance Company’s new leadership has a clear vision for the year ahead, emphasizing its commitment to raising the bar. Varsity leadership leaves no doubt that dance is more than just artistic expression; it develops creativity and athleticism, requiring discipline at every moment.
For Mackenzie Colley, a sophomore and dedicated officer on the team, dance has become an experience that goes far beyond her initial expectations. “Dance is more than just catching and throwing a ball, it requires lots of mental strength and physical coordination,” Colley said.
Colley further reflects on her journey with the team and how it has become an environment where supportive camaraderie allows her to feel more confident. This makes being on the team a powerful outlet for her to grow not only as a dancer but as an individual.
Highlighting Amy Matsumoto, captain of the varsity dance team, she has expanded her artistic knowledge while accepting new ideas to develop into a more self-assured and fearless performer. Being captain, she has developed a strong sense of leadership and determination along the journey.
Overall, dance has become a powerful avenue for Matsumoto to express herself. “Growing more confident and trying new things,” Matsumoto said, is one of the many personal benefits she has gained on the team. For Matsumoto, personal development is a pivotal aspect of her role not only as a dancer but as the captain of the dance team. 
By fostering an environment that is encouraging and makes each dancer feel like they are part of the bigger picture, Matsumoto’s leadership highlights the connection between personal growth and the environment. Hard effort and responsibility exhibited in each rehearsal are qualities that are essential to Matsumoto’s responsibilities as captain.
Similarly, for junior Shay Avni, who serves as a lieutenant on the team, dance allows her to develop connections and create a warm environment with fellow dancers.
On the dance team, relationships develop that go beyond simple teammates, they become family. “The friends you make turn into your family that sticks with you for life,” Avni added. The shared moments of long practices, overcoming tough routines, and striving for a collective goal create a lifelong relationship where support and love go beyond the dance floor.
Dancers often manage intense rehearsals with other responsibilities, enduring lengthy, taxing schedules and more difficult sessions. This discipline grows more intense during competition season as they strive for flawless routines and often practice for hours to perform flawlessly under strain. “It’s the hardest but most rewarding time of the year,” Avni said. She elaborates on the intense schedule, with competitions often starting in the early mornings.
The adrenaline of preparing for competitions fuels Avni’s drive as the team pushes through late-night rehearsals and tough routines. Avni enjoys the experience of dancing competitions, thinking back on the exhilaration and camaraderie they provide.“We all have so much fun cheering on other teams and making connections with other schools, there’s no experience quite like it,” Avni expresses.
The Warrior Dance Company is looking forward to a year full of chances for success, making memories, and developing personally under the new leadership.
