By Ashley Gilbert

Rev Steps, Granada Hills Charter’s hip-hop-based dance group approaches its tenth anniversary. The group was established to expand individuals’ creative horizons while fostering a sense of connection. The primary aim of Rev Steps is to cultivate a dance community that empowers each team member to unapologetically express themselves through dance. Despite the challenge of being vulnerable, the members collaborate closely to ensure a secure environment, free from criticism.

“It’s never about who has more technique,” senior and Rev Steps President Kai Nguyen said. “It’s about the journey we take together as a group to improve and strive for greatness. I’m always touched whenever I see someone shy at the beginning of the year come out of their shell and dance with a huge smile on their face by the end of the year.”

Rev Steps is a student-led dance group that schedules practices outside of school. Being in a student-led group allows them to make their own decisions involving determining which events they want to take part in and choreographing each dance themselves.

“Being in a group that is not tied to the school allows us to have the opportunity to be more flexible with what we want to do,” junior Justina Estur said. “By being student-led, all members can input their own ideas and put out what they want to do, resulting in having more creativity involved.”

Rev Steps has a rich history, including a memorable feature in Carly Peeters’s single release “Stuck on a Feeling.” In her video, their freestyle choreography demonstrated their ability to dance spontaneously and collaborate seamlessly.

The group also participated in the Minor Crew Division of the Maxt Out dance competition, taking home a first-place title.

Additionally, they are staples at Granada’s Best Dance Crew (GBDC) competitions and have performed at numerous PromPosals.

Although Rev Steps regularly participates in school events such as pep rallies, this year’s president has set her sights on two competitive dance events. She believes that competition offers a unique intensity that can help members grow individually and collectively through external critiques.

“Competing is very different from just performing on stage because there’s a lot more intensity to it,” Nguyen said. “I’m not saying that I want my members to be stressed, I just want them to have the experience of what it feels like to hear criticism from people other than our council, and then use it to better themselves individually. That’s how we can improve as a whole.”

The team is currently working on their routine for their next competition in Maxt Out. The competition will take place in November.

“Although we are sometimes strict on scheduling and how we look as a group, Rev Steps has more of a family feel to it,” Estur said.

With their shared passion for dance as the common thread, members effortlessly forge deep friendships, fostering a spirit of collaboration and unwavering support.

They share a bond that feels more like a second family, forging friendships and creating memories that will remain close to their hearts. Nguyen’s idea of creating a merchandise line serves as a tangible reminder of their shared journey.

“I think it’s really cute to remember for when we all go off to college, we will all look back on how we belonged to a group where we could express our love for dancing,” Nguyen said.