After 8 years of dancing, junior Emma Hancock expresses her passion for the art of dance through drill team. Dance has played a big role in her life and has helped her learn things about herself.
Emma Hancock
Grade: 11
Future college: undecided
Future Job: undecided
Years dancing: 8
Inspiration: Tate McRae, Lex Ishimoto
Wingspan: What made you start dancing?
Hancock: “I started in elementary school because I thought it would be a fun thing to do with my friends, but it turned out to be much more.”
Wingspan: What’s it like being on drill team?
Hancock: “Drill team has given me some of my best friends and has made me feel very connected and a part at Liberty. The practices can be long but the payoff is always there and it’s always worth the work.”
Wingspan: What’s been your favorite memory?
Hancock: “Right before the closing number of our annual spring show, a slideshow plays with memories from the year. We are wearing our football uniforms again and getting ready to take the stage for the finale as we watch from behind the curtain. It’s just a moment that I really love each year because everyone is hugging and laughing and reminiscing. It’s the last performance for our graduating seniors and it’s just a really special time.”
Wingspan: What’s your favorite style to dance? Why?
Hancock: “Lyrical and contemporary are my favorites because they can be both soft and beautiful or hard hitting and intense, and I love that flexibility.”
Wingspan: How do you prepare for a show?
Hancock: “I always have to make sure I am organized with my makeup, hair items, and costumes beforehand, otherwise I find myself easily stressed out. Stretching is vital before a performance also.”
Wingspan: What have you learned about yourself through dance?
Hancock: “Through dance and I have been stretched technically and have learned that my capabilities are much more than I thought they were.”
Wingspan: How has it affected your life?
Hancock: “Through dance I have gained awesome friendships, made great memories, been pushed out of my comfort zone, and have found something that I truly love to do.”
Wingspan: Are you considering to pursue it as a career?
Hancock: “At this point I don’t necessarily see myself pursuing dance as a career, but to continue dancing in some capacity in the future would be awesome.”
Wingspan: What is it like to balance drill team, school, and any other extracurriculars?
Hancock: “I think balancing drill team with other aspects of life, like any sport or activity, is definitely doable. It does take up a considerable amount of time, but one thing it has certainly taught me is good time management skills.”
Wingspan: What’s the biggest challenge of being a dancer?
Hancock: “I think this applies to many things but one challenge of dance is trying not to fall into comparison. Each person is unique in their dancing and that is something to be celebrated. Having confidence in your dancing only elevates your performance and is key to combating comparison.”
Wingspan: What is your advice to anyone who aspires to be a dancer?
Hancock: “To anyone wanting to be a dancer I would say not to get caught up in the rules or technicalities of dance to the point where you forget about the artistry and expression that also defines it, and makes it such a powerful art form.”