By Hilda Rico Valdez

This year, the dance team is breaking new ground with the addition of freshman Zachary Sanchez, the first boy ever to join the squad. Sanchez’s dance skills and enthusiasm have not only added a fresh dynamic to the team but also marked an exciting new chapter for the team. He is already making waves, challenging norms, and showcasing the evolving spirit of the GHC dance community.

The audition for the dance team came with an extra layer of pressure. Although this was not his first audition in the dance world, this one felt particularly intense. The audition process took four days to complete. Sanchez learned three dance combos that he would then need to perform in front of a panel of coaches.

“There was a pressure that I felt, which I’ve never felt before,” said Sanchez, “It was nerve-wracking because many other dancers were auditioning as well, which made it all more intense.”

On the final day of auditions, Sanchez and two other contenders waited anxiously at the small gym to be called in for their final performances. The next day, he received an email confirming his spot on the team, an achievement that both thrilled and relieved him. Since joining, Sanchez has made new friends and performed at events for the school. As the dance team’s official season begins, Sanchez is excited to create more memories with his team.

“So far I’ve been enjoying my experience,” Sanchez said. “It’s a really fun and cool experience to be dancing with a lot of amazing people.”

Being the only boy on the dance team has not phased Sanchez, who has been dancing in a similar environment for years. Sanchez is subjected to the same expectations as the other dance team members. At his home studio, he’s currently the only boy as well, so he’s used to dancing in this environment.

“Being the only boy makes no difference to me,” Sanchez said. “I’ve been dancing with these girls at my studio for a long time. I consider them to be my family.”

Although his parents initially introduced him to sports like soccer and basketball, nothing resonated with Sanchez until they enrolled him in a dance class at age four, where he discovered his passion for the sport. He was so passionate, he began competitively dancing when he was only seven years old. He’s currently dancing for the studio, Rage Performing Arts Complex, where he’s been dancing for four years.

“I tried out multiple sports but none of them really suited me,” Sanchez said, “That was until I got signed up for a dance class and ended up falling in love with it.”

Coach Kani Kim, who recognized Sanchez’s potential during tryouts, emphasizes that the dance team has always been open to both boys and girls. Gender has never been a barrier, and Sanchez’s talent made him an undeniable fit for the team.

“We have always been open to both girls and guys trying out for the team, and while we have received inquiries regarding boys trying out,” Kim said. “They just never ended up trying for the team.”

Sanchez’s presence is not only helping to break down gender stereotypes but also advocating for greater inclusion in the dance world. Although the dance world is stereotypically perceived as only involving girls, that isn’t true at all. However, boys often receive criticism and judgment despite the male dancer’s effort, commitment, and devotion to the sport.

Sanchez, himself, has also dealt with ignorant comments regarding his dance career. He’s been criticized for it and been told, “Dancing is for only girls,” but that hasn’t stopped him from pursuing his passion for dance.

Sanchez is an enormous advocate for the idea that dance is made for everyone, no matter their gender or background. With his spot on the dance team, he has certainly paved the way for other boys in the Granada community to gain the confidence to try out for the team next year, or at least be informed about it. His journey with the GHC dance team is only the beginning and is yet to finish.