Christie Horan is no ordinary Marketing and Integrated Strategic Communications double major. Between putting projects together and cramming for tests, she also makes time for one little extracurricular activity: the University of Kentucky Dance Team. Horan says she’s always liked to dance but here she talks about what it’s like to be a part of something bigger than herself.
When did you start dancing and how did you get involved?
Probably before I could even walk! I was in my first dance class when I was three. My mom enrolled me in a “Mommy and me” dance class and I’ve been dancing ever since!
How long have you been on the dance team?
I’ve been on the UK Dance Team since my freshman year of college. Third year going strong and I absolutely love it.
What was the audition process like that first year?
Absolutely intimidating. I had no idea what to expect! It was three days long and I didn’t know anyone else there, but I did know how badly I wanted to be on the team. The first day were the formal interviews, the second day we learned material and the third day were the actual dance auditions. I wanted to know everything so perfectly so I practiced like crazy! My dad and I stayed at a hotel all weekend and whenever I got the chance we would head out to the parking lot, turn on the music in the car and I would practice the dance right there in the parking lot! I did my best and performed for the judges the best I could. A couple days later we found out the results of the auditions and I had made the Blue Squad!! I was so excited when I read the email I screamed and jumped up and down a billion times and then ran laps around my house. I’ll never forget it!
How many girls are on the Dance Team?
There are two different dance teams at UK, Blue and White. Each team has about 20 girls. This year there is a total of 43 of us. Blue squad dances for football and men’s basketball games and White squad dances for football and women’s basketball games. We practice every week, dance every game and perform at halftime, community and University events and activities, as well as participate in some community service.
You said you practice every week…how often is that really?
It varies depending on the season. We practice two or three weekends out of the summer and then have practice every day for a week before we go back to school in August. During football and the beginning of basketball season we practice three times a week for three hours each. Then nationals season runs from November through January. We spend most of our winter break in Lexington practicing every day for nationals. After that we take practices down to once a week.
What’s your favorite part about being on the UK Dance Team?
Besides doing what I love, all of the best friends I’ve made. Seriously, you become so close with the girls on your team you become best friends. We live together, go out together, practice together, dance together…it’s pretty great. But unlike regular friends, having your best friends be your teammates is pretty awesome. We’re always having to work together and share a common goal.
Do you ever get overwhelmed with school and dance? How do you balance them both?
Sometimes but not usually. Sure, I stress over school, but dance has never really interfered with my school work. It’s all about good time management. There’s never a question whether I have time for both, I just plan on making time. Plus I like to stay busy!
How was Nationals this year?
I definitely had the best time at Nationals this year compared to three years I’ve competed. I say this every year, but it just keeps getting better. My team was amazing, we were all so physically and mentally strong and really meshed well. My coaches are both incredible people. They push us to be stronger and better not only in dance, but in everyday life. Not many people can say that. Both our Hip Hop and Pom dances were awesome! We were awarded with 6th for Hip Hop and 8th for Pom. Top ten in the nation feels pretty good. It was extremely tough competition this year and everyone brought their A game. A lot of teams complimented UKDT on our Hip Hop and to hear that feels amazing. I already can’t wait ‘til next year! It’ll be my last year so it’s definitely going to have to be the best one ever.
You said you say this every year but, what made this Nationals better than the last?
It was especially important to me because I suffered an injury in the beginning of the school year. In August I broke my ankle. On August 30 I had to get surgery to properly heal my ankle. I was out of dance a total of three and half months, missing football season, Big Blue Madness, the beginning of basketball season, and a lot of performances and opportunities to dance. I attended every dance practice and performance while I was injured. I was on crutches for two months in a splint and cast, a boot for a while and eventually started walking on my own again in the middle of November. I attended physical therapy twice a week in November and eventually was officially cleared to dance again December 5. It was one of the best days of my life. I was FINALLY able to do what I loved again–it was a long time coming. I was originally only performing in Hip Hop for Nationals and worked my way from not being in Pom, to being an alternate, to eventually being placed in the formation. With determination, persistence, and the will to keep going I was able to accomplish my goals. Looking back at my journey, it is truly amazing and humbling to know I could do it. You really can do whatever you put your mind to.
So what are your hopes for next year?
My hopes for my senior year are for it to be the best one yet!! I have personal goals of being a better dancer and becoming a better leader. I also have goals for the team to be the strongest and best team yet and still be united like we are. And to represent Kentucky in the best light possible!