Many students at Gorzycki enjoy doing competitive dance outside of school. They train all year until the competition/convention season begins.Conventions start at earliest as November and end in August. Competitions start at earliest as January and end in August.  

A convention is a weekend long event that include multiple classes from a variety of teachers. At the end of the first day, you usually have an audition class where you try out for a scholarship. That scholarship can reduce the amount of money you have to pay for your next convention or give you a chance to attend an intensive.

Eighth grader Kamdyn L. explains why she likes her favorite convention.

“My favorite (convention) is 24 Seven because a lot of studios I know go to that convention,” Kamdyn said.

Sixth grader Lauren C. describes what it was like when she got her first scholarship.

“ It was at the NOVU convention and I was really excited because I worked really hard to get the scholarship,” Lauren said.

Each teacher has a different way of preparing their students for competition season and Lauren describes what her teachers are like.

“It’s hard sometimes because your teacher yells at you and stretches you hard,” Lauren said. “Usually the next day I’m really sore.”

During competition season most teachers push their dancers much harder than usual so they can perfect their dances. Seventh grader Sadah Y. explains how she prepares for competition season.

“When we are getting ready for a competition we have to work extra hard so our dances look perfect.” Sadah said.

Most dancers have a favorite style of dance. Sadah prefers tap more then other styles of dance.

“My favorite style of dance is tap because you can use your body and let loose,” Sadah said.

Not everyone has the same favorite style of dance, like Sadah and Kamdyn.

“I really like contemporary because you can do a lot with it,” Kamdyn said.

There are many ups and downs to being on a team. Some people think the hardest part isn’t even the dancing aspect.

“It’s really hard to actually get the motivation to get up and go to class instead of being lazy,” Kamdyn said. 

Between dance and school there can be some struggles with balancing both things.

“It is hard to balance things because I dance around eight hours a week and I still have to carve out time for school and homework, but I just prioritize my things and it seems to work,” Sadah said.

There are many rewards to being part of a team and Kamdyn describes what hers are.

“I enjoy the reward of being on a team and walking off the stage proud,” Kamdyn said. “I like to hang out with my friends and dancing with them.”