More Than Just a Routine: Behind the Scenes with Redwood’s Dance Force

A look into the dedication, passion, and journey behind Redwood’s Dance Force team and how early beginnings turn into a lifelong love for dance.

By: Yoselin Reynoso-Lozano

Redwood’s Dance Force shocks crowds with their amazing performances. With their sharp routines, high energy, and seamless synchronization, it’s always a great watch. What audiences don’t always see is what’s behind the scenes.

These girls put in years of hard work for this team. The dedication they have for their passion, and overall, the growth behind each performance and performer.

For most dancers on the team, the journey began long before high school, starting as early as two or three years old. Placed in their first class by parents who wanted their kid to have new experiences.

Over the years, the dancers learned that dance was something truly meaningful to them. Although they hadn’t initially made the choice to start, they ended up finding a passion for it. 

Years of practice and performances turned into something they truly loved. Something they couldn’t imagine life without.

Four year Dance Force Member, Marileigh Coon, ‘25, says, “Being a captain I’ve seen a different side to the team, but overall the year has been great. [I’m] having to problem solve and such, but still really enjoying it.”

For most girls, the path hasn’t been the easiest. Like any demanding sport, dance comes with challenges. Facing exhaustion, injuries, or even burnout. Motivation just fades, or pressure just becomes too much, and it’s all too overwhelming.

This is where some dancers turn to inspirational figures in their lives, such as coaches, teachers, teammates, and possibly even famous dancers. This is what helps them push through and continue dancing: their passion. 

Sadie Hemphill, ‘25, a three year Dance Force member, says, “The bond we create with each other, since we spend so much time together, is really nice.”

The support system within the team is inspirational; it keeps everyone going. Helping each other stay focused, encouraging one another, and being proud of every new milestone they might hit in their dancing career.

Another four year Dance Force member, Gwyn Miller, ‘25, says, “Some girls just like getting a group and saying a prayer, so we sometimes do that, but we also go around and give a really really tight hug because there’s a scientific thing that if you squeeze yourself your nerves go away. So we pray and just hug saying ‘good luck’ and ‘I love you.”

Being part of Dance Force means more than just showing up. It’s about competing with pride, pushing themselves to grow, and performing with everything they’ve got. These dancers don’t care if it’s a competition stage or just the annual dance show, the team brings energy, heart, and full out effort every time.

For these dancers, it’s no longer about where they started, it’s about where dance has taken them. Dance Force is a reminder to them of the hard work and dedication they’ve gone through. 

The dancers are doing what they love, surrounded by teammates who feel like family, and giving every performance their all, no matter what happens off stage.

Tags: advanced dance, arts & entertainment, arts and entertainment, dance, dance force, dance show, Marileigh Coon, redwood dance force, redwood gigantea, redwood high school, redwood journalism, redwood sports, rhs, rhs dance force, sadie hemphill, seniors, visalia ca