AHS Dancers Take Footsteps In Faith
February 1, 2023
On January 21, 2023, Rome Civic Ballet held its 1st dance recital of the year. It took place at the Rome City Auditorium. The Armuchee students in the show were Rylan Weaver, Abbie Carson, Carlie Wolfer, and Makayla Lockhart. There were multiple performances held at different times for various age groups. The dancers put in hard work in preparation for the shows in which they performed eight dances and two finales.
While it was their decision to dance, it is difficult for a lot of dancers to stay up extremely late working on homework due to late dance practices. Sophomore, Carlie Wolfer said, “It is really hard having to juggle school with all the stress of the schedule and the practices. It takes a lot of energy. There is so much stress and anxiety that comes with it.” Even though it is hard, dance is so rewarding. The audience applause, the lifelong friendships, and the self-respect are just a few of the attributes that make dancing so great.
Some might question whether dance is a sport. The dancers at Rome Civic Ballet have a different perspective. Wolfer said, “Dancing is totally a sport because it’s exercise. By the end of every class, we’re sweating and struggling to breathe. We drink a lot of water every class. I mean, it’s just as much exercise as any other sport. Dance is a challenging sport. Wolfer said, “If you put in the effort, you’ll get through it.” Dance routines require a lot of drilling and practice. Junior, Rylan Weaver said, “We put everything we have into our dances. I would love for people to see the beauty of dancing and support us through it. It would really boost our confidence.”
After all of their training, Rome Civic’s dancers are excited to share their passion with the world. Discussing the show, Wolfer said, “People saw the results of all our hard work and many beautiful dances.” Audiences watched a teacher dance, usually a senior dance, and then dances from all age groups depending on what show they attend. Sophomore, Abbie Carson said, “Footsteps in Faith audience members saw lots of joyous tears and beautiful worship music.”
There were a few dances that really took people by surprise. The dancers each have a style they prefer over the others. Carson said, “Ballet is my favorite because I just love it. I feel like I’m so graceful when I’m doing ballet as opposed to jazz when I’m hitting everything so hard.” Other dancers do not share the same love for ballet. Wolfer said, “I like contemporary or jazz, but I like my jazz teacher better because she’s really creative with the choreography. My favorite dances are always choreographed by her.”
Great dancers have to have a passion for the sport. Rome Civic’s dancers want to share where their love for dancing. Dancing has multiple benefits. Weaver said, “Dance is a form of therapy for me. If I’m ever having a bad day and I come to dance, it doesn’t matter if I speak to anybody. It doesn’t matter if I miss every leap or if I fall out of every single turn. It doesn’t matter. I’m still going to enjoy it.”
Dance has lasting impacts on participants. Carson said, “I love it. I have always been in love with dancing. I remember the first time I was ever onstage. I just instantly fell in love. I never want to quit.” Dance acts as an outlet for athletes. Wolfer said, “It’s an exercise with expression, and it’s just something that I love to do.”
Attendees at the Footsteps in Faith recital experienced the opportunity to praise the Lord and invite others to join them in worship, as well. This recital is based on the Christian faith, and every song is a worship song. Makayla Lockhart, a sophomore, said, “People seem to really embrace what Footsteps in Faith means. They just feel something special, and there are always tears at footsteps.”
With all of the hard work and dedication they put into this show, these girls greatly appreciated everyone who attended Footsteps in Faith, and they are excited to begin preparation for the next recital in May, 2023.
