Freshman Glad She Made Decision to Join NDA Dance Team

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Cami Pakkala, Staff Writer, Journalism I

Growing up, I played a variety of sports like most people did. Basketball, softball, soccer and dance were all sports I played for the majority of my life. But there was one sport that stuck with me the most, and that was dance. 

Dance has been a part of my life ever since I was four years old. It started with my parents signing me up at a dance studio that was just five minutes away from my house–and my love of dance took off from there. 

In fifth grade, my passion for dance grew immensely. I started to do competitive dance with All That Dance in De Pere. I stayed at that studio all through middle school. 

The summer going into high school, I made the last-minute decision to join the Notre Dame Dance Team. I was excited but also a bit anxious, as anyone would when making a big change in their life. 

At first I thought the transition from studio dance to high school dance wasn’t right for me. Everything was new and different. Not just the dancing aspect, but also the people. 

It’s crazy to think that I was ever nervous to be on this new team and experience because after being with the girls for about seven months now, we are all like family and sisters to one another. In fact, I think I spend more time with my teammates and coach than my own family! 

Even after hard late-night practices and early competition mornings, we still stick together. The memories and bonds we have created is something that I will cherish forever. 

Being on the Notre Dame Dance Team taught me how to become more confident in myself and, of course, provided me with the best time-management skills. 

Our coach, Miranda Roehl, has also taught me many things besides dance. She has pushed me to always become the best person and dancer that I can be. Even through bad scores and performances she is still our biggest supporter. 

Although dancing in the commons everyday is not ideal, the bruises from the cracked floor will go away, but the laughs and friendships will always stay with me.