Makayla Bullock: Dancing Her Way To The Top

Makayla Bullock, ’24, a dedicated dancer, shares her inspiring journey, delves into her plans for the future and reveals the transformative power of dance in her life.

By: Sophia Rexhepi

Dance is an art that requires years of dedication and intense practice. Many talented dancers dedicate their whole lives to the art to get as good as they are.

Makayla Bullock, ’24, has been doing dance since she was 9 years old. Bullock is a captain on Dance Force and a 4 year member.

Being a Dance Force captain is a big role of leadership. Bullock says, “I love being a Dance Force captain. Having that role you can inspire people on your team and just be a great role model.”

Bullock wasn’t put into dance at a young age like many dancers are. She was inspired to do it. Bullock says, “I went to my friends dance recital when I was 9. I saw her dance and thought ‘wow let me try this, this seems cool’ and ever since then I’ve loved it.”

Passion and motivation are a crucial part to hone a skill and keep going. Bullock says, “Seeing dancers thrive and be on NFL dance teams as I grew up inspired me to keep going a pursue that dream of mine.

Obstacles and challenges come along with every type of sport or activity. Bullock says, “Finding the right studio for me was a challenge. Coming here from Lancaster I had to transition a lot. However, I feel like now I’m at a great studio that will help me with my technique.”

Bullock takes various dance classes at Redwood alongside her after school dance programs she’s in. Balancing dance and academics requires a lot of time and energy. Bullock says, “Right when I get home I do my homework or I try to get it done at school. I make sure that its done before I go to my dance studio.”

College is usually the end of the road with dance for students. However for Bullock it is just the beginning. Bullock says, I’m going to be a dance major in college. Then after that I want to be apart of the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders and the Rockettes. I’ve being going to clinics. I’m going to be attending Texas Tech University.”

Exploring dance in college brings a whole new level of dancing and competition. Bullock says, “I’m excited to start training at a new level in college. I will be surrounded by hundreds of students eager to start training and learning more about the art of dance. I plan to keep dance in my life not just through college, but by taking some studio classes around my college town, as well as taking prep classes to start preparing for the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders.”

Having someone who inspires you to keep pushing is really beneficial to excel. Bullock says, “My mom is a big inspiration. She tells me to keep pushing. Obviously I love dance but there’s always gonna be that day where you’re like ‘I don’t know if I even want to do this.’ However, I feel like she’s helped me with that. Looking at what’s ahead and my future will push me.”

The annual Redwood dance show is coming up and Bullock will be in more than 10 dances. Bullock says, “I feel really excited as well as anxious about my final dance show at Redwood. It feels surreal at the moment.”

Elise Barrdonex has been teaching at Redwood for 21 years. Bullock has been a student of Barrdonex for the past 4 years.

Authenticity is an important part of performing. Barrdonex says, “Makayla has a presence on stage. She brings this energy that’s all her own. It’s not forced, it just happens. It’s natural. She stands out because she has such a presence on stage. She has great technique. She puts in a lot of effort and a lot of hard work and you notice it in her performance.”

Each dancer has different quality’s that makes them who they are. Barrdonex says, “I’ve had her as a Teachers Assistant and in class, too. She’s always willing to go the extra mile. If I ask her to help me out with something she hops right up and jumps right in. She doesn’t have to have notice. She’s always willing to do extra.”

Growth is a common part of evolving in the art industry. Barrdonex says, “I see a new confidence in her. When she was younger she was a little quieter. She always had a dance presence about her I feel like that has grown but also outside of that she’s grown. I see her branching out. She’s made new friends and I feel that she’s done a good job to be well rounded so that when she leaves here she’s mature and be ready for what comes her way.”

Barrdonex says, “I love watching her. I can’t necessarily pick one performance. She does such a good job. We have some upcoming numbers in the show this year where I think she’s going to be super amazing.”

Savannah Vargas, ’24, a 3 year senior co-captain on Dance Force has been dancing for the past 8 years. Vargas make sure to keep a positive energy and be a good role model for younger girls on the team.

Vargas has danced alongside Makayla for quite some time. Vargas says, “Makayla is a hard-worker and is driven. She is super talented but also works hard to become the best person and dancer she can be.”

Team work and encouraging one another is an important part to make a team thrive. Vargas says, “Dancing alongside Makayla has been so fun. She pushes me to be the best dancer I can be. We are always laughing. She is not only my teammate, but a very good friend, too.”

Vargas says, “Makayla pushes each of us to try our best and work hard. She gives us constructive criticism but also compliments us. She is a natural leader.”

Each leader brings something different to the table. Vargas says, “Each of our captains bring something different to the tea, which is why we work so well together. Makayla brings a tough love aspect. She make’s sure everything gets done while also bringing us closer as a team.”

Bullocks journey with dance has just begun. She has a bright future ahead of her and will continue to pursue her passion and love for dance and give it her all. She has already achieved remarkable success and will continue to do so as time goes on.

Tags: dance, dance force, dance show, features, makayla bullock, rangers, Redwood, redwood journalism, rhs