As the lights dim and anticipation rises, Lakewood High School’s very own dance group prepares to make its entrance on stage, bringing community members together to create worthwhile memories. This winter, fellow parents, students, and community members gathered to enjoy the high school dance scene in the civic auditorium.
On Feb 7 and 8, the LHS dance group performed various lively group dances, bitter-sweet solos, and smooth contemporary numbers. With 24 dancers, this team combines many personalities and skill sets to create cohesive dances in which every dancer can shine.
Hard work and dedication have brought this team to their performance, and it shows. Senior dance group member Elizabeth Schuldt has experienced many memorable moments throughout her time in the dance group.
“I love rehearsing with my friends and performing with everyone, it’s really nice to see all of our work pay off,” Schuldt said. The fun-filled extracurricular has proven to bring many classmates closer together, teammates look forward to building unbreakable bonds.
Hours of practice, rehearsals, and team building were spent investing in the grand performance. In the process, many students found a second home, a place where they could express themselves through dance and share fun experiences with friends and classmates. It so happens that LHS Dance Group advisor Leslie Kolansinski joined the group for the same reasons when she was in high school, which is why she decided to help coach.
“As a student, Dance Group was a place where I could escape for hours, choosing to put energy and time into something I loved, surrounded by people who made me happy,” Kolansinski said. “As the Dance Group advisor, I love that I am able to spend time involved in dance and performance, even if I’m not the one performing.”
Many paths have crossed through the LHS dance group, connections have formed, and friendships have blossomed. Students develop teamwork and leadership skills while also challenging themselves mentally and physically. Junior team captain Olivia Gainous has now experienced the challenges of leadership and the rewards that come with it.
“Managers have to stay after everybody else so that we can choreograph some extra dances, teach people, and lead the group to make sure everybody is doing what they have to do correctly,” Gainous said, highlighting the essential role managers play in the group.
Students are encouraged to try out; you never know what joyful memories you have yet to make. The opportunities are open to all, experience or not; now is the time to take a leap and discover your passions.
“Dance Group is for everyone, I believe a lot of people are afraid to join Dance Group because they don’t think they’ll be good enough, but part of the fun of the group is that students get to teach and others get to learn from their peers,” Kolansinski said. “We love to welcome new faces and are excited to teach new members. If you are on the fence, just join us for the first week and see how you feel at the end. It never hurts to try. You just might have fun!”
All skill levels of dancers are supported in their decision to try out and reach new goals.
Also, if aspiring dancers are nervous about auditions, don’t fret—there are no longer auditions, just an ‘Intro to Dance Week’ in which students can try it out. At the end of the week, both students and advisors will decide on everyone’s best fit.
One of the most special parts of Dance Group is that students choreograph dances and have a lot of creative liberty. Senior Elizabeth Schuldt gives us an insider scoop on what the choreographing process looks like.
“Members have a lot of creative liberty, sometimes the coaches will help guide students, but it’s obvious they like for dances to be as student-led as possible,” Schuldt said.
This collaborative approach combines a balance of guidance and imagination, creating endless opportunities for the dancers.
“The students always bring such unique ideas and it is really fun to see what they will come up with each year,” Kolansinski said.
Every step, leap, and turn drives the LHS Dance Group toward personal growth and group success, benefitting all. Congratulations to the outstanding performance of 2025, and to the awaiting dancers of next year’s season—good luck! There are many great moments to come. Keep dancing and lighting up the night. Onward, Rangers!
