Dancer, Alternative Break Student Leader, and Math major? This rare combination of talent is found in this year’s AU Dance Team co-captain Elyse Higley. Hailing from Chattanooga, Tennessee, this senior has been an asset to AUDT for the past four years. With a 16-year background in ballet and contemporary dance, it was natural for her feet to lead her to the first week of tryouts during Welcome Week of her freshman year. Unsure of what to expect, she made the team, where she still had to learn some unfamiliar dance styles far from her expertise. Eventually, Elyse overcame that obstacle and rose to the position of co-captain, hoping to make her last year performing at Nationals her “crowning moment” of her dance career.
Elyse says being part of the team has taught her to manage her time. During the regular season, she has to juggle her time with three practices a week, independent workouts, social activities and schoolwork. She says that dance has not only helped keep her in shape but also has built a network for her as well. She hopes that she will be able to transfer these skills and serve as a positive influence to incoming members of the team. She is proud to say that she hopes to “mentor these new girls” and ease their transition into a college level team.
As co-captain, Elyse is in charge of making sure her team’s routine is clean, precise and sharp. She ensures that the whole team looks unified on the dance floor, especially for the national competition in Daytona, Florida in April. Since they are in Division 1, the team has to learn two routines in advance in January. This year, they are competing in two categories, jazz and hip hop. For Elyse and her team, competition is “a big investment in time and a lot of hard work, but the experience brings the team closer together.”
Since Elyse is a senior, this year is a closing chapter for dancing full time. After graduation, she hopes to work in economics and go to graduate school, but she hopes to take dance classes on the side. Her advice for girls who wish to join the team in the future? She says her coach looks for girls who are hard workers, dedicated and have a positive attitude.