Lessons from My Four Years on the Hurricanettes

As I close the final chapter of my dance journey with the University of Miami Hurricanettes, I can’t help but reflect on how much I’ve learned over the past four years. It’s been a journey of personal growth, resilience, and leadership—one that’s shaped me both as a dancer and as a person. From teaching myself a completely new style of dance during COVID to ultimately becoming captain for two years, this experience has taught me lessons that I’ll carry with me into the next chapter of my life.

Teaching Myself a New Dance Style During COVID

Before the pandemic, I had a solid foundation in ballet, but when COVID hit, I realized I needed to expand my skill set if I wanted to pursue my dream of being on the Hurricanettes. So, I set out to teach myself hip-hop and jazz, two styles that were completely foreign to me. It was challenging—there were moments when I doubted myself, when the steps didn’t click, and when I felt frustrated. But I stuck with it, using online tutorials, breaking down the movements, and practicing every day. I wasn’t going to let this new challenge defeat me.

Teaching myself these styles not only expanded my technical abilities, but it also taught me the value of persistence and self-discipline. These qualities were crucial when it came time to audition for the Hurricanettes, and when I made the team, it felt like the culmination of months of hard work.

Becoming a Leader on the Team

Being on the Hurricanettes for four years has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. But what made it even more special was the opportunity to serve as captain for two years. As captain, I learned the importance of leading by example, staying positive in the face of challenges, and creating a sense of community within the team. It was my job to make sure everyone felt supported, that we worked together as a cohesive unit, and that each dancer was empowered to bring their best to the table.

Leadership wasn’t always easy, but it was incredibly fulfilling. I learned how to balance the responsibilities of being both a dancer and a leader, how to communicate effectively with my teammates, and how to motivate others to keep pushing forward, even on the toughest days. I also learned that leadership doesn’t always mean being the loudest voice in the room—it’s about listening, understanding, and guiding the team in a way that brings out the best in everyone.

What I Learned from These Four Years

My time on the Hurricanettes taught me far more than just dance. It taught me resilience, perseverance, teamwork, and leadership—skills that I know will serve me well as I move forward in my career. The discipline and self-motivation I developed while teaching myself a new style of dance helped me navigate tough challenges and pushed me to become a stronger dancer and leader. And the lessons I learned as captain, about working with others and leading a team, are the same lessons that will help me succeed in any professional environment.

As I close this chapter and take the next step in my journey, I’m excited to carry these lessons forward. Dance has been an incredible teacher, and I’m so grateful for everything it has given me.