Coming from a dance studio background, I was unsure whether or not I wanted to join a college dance team. Little did I know that dance team is far from what I've been used to for the past 15+ years. But now that I'm here, it's truly the best decision I've ever made. I've learned so much from my teammates, my coach and this program in general. I strongly encourage any dancer out there who is pondering about whether or not they should join a dance team to go through with it because it's a life-changing experience.

1. New Friendships

Téa Hayes

We all know that feeling when you're the "new girl". It can be intimidating at times, but once you meet the other people on the team and create a special bond the friendships become endless.

2. Game Day

Téa Hayes

Game days are the best days. Everything from getting ready to performing on the court in front of your entire school is what makes game day the absolute best. Being able to cheer for your school alongside with your best friends will always be my favorite kind of days.

3. Time Management

You don't have time to procrastinate. As a college student, we find it hard sometimes to balance everything we need to do in one day, week or even month. With this team, I'm able to stay super organized and over-prepared so I don't run into any problems with procrastination because I know I have to get my work done with the little time I'm given.

4. Nationals in Orlando

Téa Hayes

Although the season may have its up and downs at times, it all comes to this moment right here-nationals! We drive 3-4 cars down to Orlando to compete for a title in D1 Hip-Hop and Jazz! Currently we are SIXTH in the nation.

5. Knowing That You Aren't Alone

Téa Hayes

Yes. We all have those days where we feel like practice becomes inconvenient at times due to being stressed out from things outside of dance. Although you feel like you are the only one going through something like this, chances are someone else feels the same way on the team which can be comforting at times. In the end we always manage to get through it together.

6. Many... Many Inside Jokes

Téa Hayes

So many things happen at games, practice and outside of dance with this team that I'll never forget. Everything from the failed tricks at practice to the bad fake tans at games, it happens to the best of us. A lot of things happen behind the scenes that you would never expect to happen.

7. Getting To Do What I Love With The People I Love

Téa Hayes

Not only do I get to continue to do what I love most, but I get to do it with other people who love it just as much as I do. There becomes a special bond with every team each year because all of us are so different, yet the same at the same time. We are with each other almost every single day, so the friendships become stronger and stronger each day. It's rare to find a group of people that love you and the sport at the same time.

Being a part of this team will forever hold a special place in my heart. It's chilling to think about my goals in high school and how I've been able to accomplish most of them while being on this team. Nobody really understands the importance of the dance team, because people assume that it's not a sport. However, I would love for those who think that to come in and watch one of our long practices because I'm sure their opinion would change greatly.

Although the long hours of practices can be hard at times, it's comforting knowing that I'm not alone. Being able to walk into a practice stressed, frustrated and tired and walking out of practice stress-free, happy and ready to do anything speaks volume.

Dance team is hard work, dedication, team-work, love and encouragement. Somehow with a team full of girls and one boy we manage to check all of those things off of our list. It's a great feeling knowing that you are surrounded with such amazing teammates that would do anything for you. This sport is not about looking pretty and dancing for the fun of it, it's about getting shit done and leave this college with a national championship title. Don't worry, it'll happen before I graduate.