Cholla Charger Network

By Daniela de la Cruz

Dance is way more than just a form of art; it is something that can bring plenty of joy to others. It’s an art that helps to bring people together and create a community due to the love and passion shared for this activity within the community. Through the stories of 3 amazing individuals, Mr. Barajas, an anonymous student, and Alex Leyva we can learn and know more about the amazing environment and the positive impacts our dance program has on our students. Through their unique experiences as members and as a teacher of this program, we learn what dance means to them and the different ways our program can transform lives.

Mr. Barajas became a dance teacher 8 years ago, inspired by his own dance teacher who made a big impact on him. He began to dance 12 years ago when he was a sophomore in high school and within his first year of dancing had realized that he wanted to make a career in dancing. Mr. Barajas dances with his heart, something that can be noticed from his creative process when it comes to choreography. He will start with a song he loves, then freestyle until he is able to gather enough moves to start manipulating, cleaning, and finally perfecting his choreography. He is a committed teacher who thinks dedication is the number one thing you need to become a great dancer and pushes his students to reach this level of success. To support his students grow as dancers and get more involved within the art, he offers opportunities to deepen his students dance education and work with his team at his own squad, Primitive Dance Company.

An anonymous, dedicated dancer, joined the program 2 years ago, but her passion for dance began from a very young age. She is a well-prepared performer whose favorite dance styles are breaking and whacking. One of her favorite parts about this program is how dancers support each other to succeed and accomplish different things.  Mr. Barajas as well as other mentors from primitive dance company have a positive impact on her dance journey by helping her and keeping her motivated. She one hundred percent recommends joining and advises new dancers to not be shy and feel free to express themselves.

Alex Leyva joined during her freshman year and after her first performance she realized how much she enjoys being part of the program.  One of the things she likes the best about being art of the program is the supportive, funny, and welcoming attitude that Mr. Barajas gives his students. His fun attitude does not take away at all from his professionalism and seriousness when needed. She particularly enjoys hip hop and would say it is her specialty. Alex is an organized performer that not only dances with her feet but also with her heart and makes sure to practice well each dance to feel confident enough to perform. Our previous dance captain Sayuri Lavulo is someone that Alex looks up to and helps her remain motivated to continue her journey as a dancer. She describes the environment within the program safe and judgment free due to the amazing teamwork and close bonds that are created there. She encourages new dancers to join and enjoys all the emotions this art can provide and advice new dancers to ask questions and get the help that they need, but also motivates them to stay committed and practice very hard.

These stories help illustrate the great impacts and experiences that can be made in students’ lives by joining. Great dancers can come from anywhere and start anytime if dedicated and motivated enough to excel in the art. The things they have shared with us show that dance is not just about learning new skills, but also about building a safe and supportive community, as well as building healthy friendships with one another. Dance is also about learning how to express feelings in way you would have never imagined that you would be able to express. If you are interested in staying active and being able to express your creativity, you should consider joining our dance program, not only to learn new skills, but also to enjoy great experiences and memories that will last forever. Give it a shot or you will never know how much you can like it. Don’t miss the opportunity of being part of such an extraordinary and special community.