Dancers Reflect on Growth and Confidence — Issue 10

After their performances on Grandparents’ Day and at the Open House, the dancers took time to reflect on how much they’ve grown, not only as performers but as people.

For many, Grandparents’ Day brought nerves and excitement, while the Open House felt more natural thanks to more practice and experience. “At first, I was nervous out of my mind,” shared Fia Strum ‘31, “but now performing feels easier together and more natural.” She reflected on how dance helps her build confidence beyond the stage: “I still can’t get over hearing my own voice when presenting, but dance makes me more confident with public speaking.” Despite being hesitant to address the audience, Fia took that leap of faith and afterwards felt proud of herself. I am proud of Fia too. Her words that stuck with me the most are: “KES is different.”

In her first year attending KES, Inés Fernández ’29 chose to come to this School because it has a dance program; I did not know this until we were preparing for our Open House performance. Before dancing, Inés shared with the audience: “I chose this school because of dance, and I’m glad of my decision. The dance studio is a place where I feel relaxed and I can express myself. My teammates and coach give me the support I need, and that demonstrates our teamwork. I’ve been dancing for about four years now, and it has impacted my life in a positive way.” We are lucky and so happy to have Inés share her talent and enthusiasm with the KES Dance Team.

In her early years at KES, Mollybeth Dickinson ’26 participated in the Junior Recreational Dance Program and then took some time to pursue other passions. Rejoining dance again last year, I am so happy Molly came back and is dancing with the Competitive Dance Team to end her graduating year. Molly describes dance as a “really good form of self-expression” and a way to reset and refocus: “When I step into the studio, everything changes.” Molly echoed that sense of growth, saying that while the first performance of the year was nerve-wracking, “For the Open House performance, I felt much more confident individually but also as a team.”

Harper MacInnis ‘30 also spoke about the connection between dance and confidence, and working together as part of a team, like in music and public speaking. At the Open House, Harper took the stage for a musical theatre performance from The Drowsy Chaperone as well as with the KES Dance Team routine Let’s Get Loud. Witnessing students participate in various artistic outlets is truly special. An already mature student, Harper continues to step up and has become a helpful leader by assisting other performers with the choreography. Her advice for other performers is: “Feeling nervous is normal, but why limit yourself and not try?”

From stage fright to building confidence to self-assurance, each dancer’s reflection highlights how dancing together has helped them embrace challenges, take risks, celebrate progress, and have fun — one dance step at a time.

Stephanie Cummings