By Alexander Rigali
Dance Team captain Genevieve Bandanza is focused and confident as she looks ahead to the 2025-2026 season. After winning states last year, the team is ready to set even bigger goals for themselves.
“We’re looking really good,” said Bandanza. “I mean, we had a great season last year, so we’re just working on mostly the same goals, trying to get even bigger ones this year.”
For Bandanza, success comes from a focus on both physical and mental preparedness. The team starts every practice with the captains running warmups and stretches to improve technique and endurance, which are crucial during competition season. Just as important is the team’s mental health. They often start practice with journaling and a focus on communication.
“We just have a lot of communication between each other to try and succeed,” said Bandanza.
Bandanza’s personal style of leadership involves being a role model. She believes in leading by example, and if she wants her team to do somet hing, she wants to be able to show them how to do it. However, she also knows the importance of being vocal. She works to be more outspoken and give tips during practices, especially since that’s not something that comes naturally to her. Bandanza believes it’s important to understand what each teammate needs in a moment of conflict and to stay calm and empathetic, as she understands how frustrating dance can be.
She also makes sure new members feel welcome. The team has a “big sisters and little sisters” program to pair up upperclassmen with newer members, giving them a support system and a way to feel included. They exchange gifts and advice, and it helps the team feel more like a family.
When faced with a tough loss, Bandanza feels it’s a “journaling moment.” She reminds the team that they win and lose together, and she focuses on building up from the loss. Being a captain is a role she’s always wanted.
“I really love being captain, because, like I said, I like to lead by example,” said Bandanza. She feels it not only makes her more confident but also brings her joy to see her teammates enjoying the sport as much as she does.
