By Alexander Rigali

Dance Team captain Payton Geary is optimistic for the upcoming season and has high hopes for the team. After the victory at the State competition last year, morale is through the roof. 

“We’re going into the season with a lot of confidence,” said Geary. “But also super humble.” 

For this season, Geary knows that the team needs to put all their effort into succeeding.

Her confidence comes from the hard work the team has already put in. They’ve been practicing even during winter break, re-running routines until the choreography was clean. 

“We just drill routines until the choreography becomes second nature,” said Geary. “That way we really just have to focus on performance.” She believes the fun and excitement of their new routines will make the performance aspect come naturally.

Geary’s leadership style is a mix of being demanding and understanding. She ensures things get done on time by sending out reminders and holding the team accountable. However, she also knows that some team members need a more sympathetic approach, so she adapts her style to what each person responds to best. Geary’s goal is to get the best out of everyone on the team.

Geary feels it’s her job as captain to bring the team up and remind them of their successes. When it comes to facing challenges, the team has learned to focus on the positive. After a competition, they have a policy where each team member has to say something they did right before talking about any mistakes. 

“You can’t immediately go to the things you did wrong,” Geary explained. This approach helps lift their spirits and keeps their morale high, even after a tough loss. This season, she feels a special connection with the team, as everyone communicates well and meshes together perfectly, making her role as captain feel fulfilling.

“It feels like it’s what I’m meant to be doing, because that is what you’re meant to do in a captain role.”