Jackie Sandlow and Aubrey Wilson, seniors, are Homestead dance team’s graduating class of 2015. Both have danced for over ten years: Wilson has been on Homestead’s team for four years and Sandlow for three. In addition, both now face the reality of leaving their team members and perhaps the sport. In this interview, the girls discuss their sport, their memories, their team and their futures.

1. How long have you been dancing?

Wilson: I have been dancing since I was seven years old.

Sandlow: I have been dancing for 15 years.

2. Do you dance outside of school?

W: Yes, I dance at a studio outside of school called Bella Via in Mequon.

S: Yes, I dance at a studio call Academy of Dance Arts and I have been dancing there for six years.

3. What has dance meant to you since you started?

W: Dance has always been incredibly special to me. I’m not really a person who expresses my emotions, but dance allows me to do be confident and express myself.

S: For me, dance is a way to express my emotions. I am able to take any negative emotions and put them into my dancing to hit moves harder and sharper. Both of my sisters and one of my cousins also dance, so it is a way for us to bond.

4. What are some of your proudest accomplishments?

W: My biggest accomplishment in dance would have to be when I won first place in my first solo competition last year. I wasn’t someone who would compete solo, but my coaches informed me that they wanted me to compete individually as well as with the team. Even though it wasn’t my choice, I’m proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone.

S: Some of my proudest accomplishments include going to state both sophomore and junior year, as well as winning the “most improved” award sophomore year.

5. Have you formed any lasting friendships or bonds through the team that you wouldn’t otherwise have formed?

W: Oh, for sure. Dance team is the longest season that there is at Homestead, lasting a good 10 months. We spend a LOT of time together. I don’t think there’s another team that has a bond as strong as ours.

S: Some of my best friends are girls on the team who I would not have known without dance, and I have grown a lot closer to girls who I already know. My little sister is also a freshman on the team, so I have gotten a lot closer to her this past year.

6. What is your favorite aspect of the dance team?

W: My favorite aspect of dance team definitely would have to be performing. Whether it’s at a football game, basketball game or competition we finally get to show everyone why we get up at 6 in the morning during the summer.

S: My favorite aspect of dance team is performing. There is no feeling quite like having a great performance and knowing that no matter what the judges say, you did your best and left everything out on the floor.

7. What is one of your favorite memories from your time on the team?

W: One of my favorite memories on the team is when we placed in the top five at state in Division 1 varsity kick my freshman year. Making it to state alone was amazing, but then getting to hear our name called out for 4th place was one of the best moments of my experience.

S: My favorite memory would have to be teepee-ing the football players’ houses the Thursday night of homecoming week. We stay out until usually about 4 in the morning, and then have to perform at pep rally and the football game later that Friday, but it’s worth it.

8. Will you continue to dance in college?

W: I am not sure at this point what my plan is for dance in college, but I do know that I want to continue my dancing career. I can’t imagine not dancing after this year.

S: Unfortunately, no. I don’t think my body can handle more dance so I won’t be continuing my dance career.

9. Do you have any “closing remarks” for the girls who will still be on the team next year?

W: I would tell them to keep working hard and trying to be a better dancer than you were yesterday. My team has so many phenomenal dancers who I know can do great things.

S: Enjoy the season! It will be over before you know it, so make sure you enjoy your time. The season is long, and you will want to be done, but you’ll miss it when it’s over!