Photo by Courtesy Photo

During drill team’s MOVE camp, senior Danielle Reeves rehearsing their pep rally pom routine. MOVE camp is a four-day dance camp for all MISD drill teams to learn the dances for the school year.

The music stops, the crowd cheers and senior Danielle Reeves catches her breath after performing a train-themed pom routine with the JV Silver Spurs. 

“My favorite moment in drill so far has been competing,” Reeves said. “The thrill of waiting to go on and perform a routine that you have been working on for weeks is unforgettable. I love seeing us all come together and cheer on other teammates.”

Reeves began choir during intermediate school and started dancing two years ago. She believes both programs taught her what it means to work as a team and collaborate with others. 

“That skill of working with others helps me mature and grow because it forces me to step out of my comfort zone. Doing things on your own is easy, but going out and needing the help of others is humbling and difficult for many to do, myself included,” Reeves said. “So through dance and choir, I understand the need for working with others, even if I don’t want to.”

Assistant Drill Team Director Alyssa Estrada respects Reeves’ strong motivation to reach her goals and meet a higher level of success each day. 

“She has always been willing to put in the time and effort necessary to master a skill or push herself to continuously improve,” Ms. Estrada said. “She rises to every challenge that is given to her and never settles for less.”

Ms. Estrada believes that every year Reeves not only grew as a dancer, but she also grew in her confidence. 

“She ignites confidence on the dance floor when she performs and showcases her deep love for dance. She has improved on more advanced technical skills and only continues to push herself in practice through consistently applying feedback given to her,” Ms. Estrada said. “As a teammate, she is a reliable source to go to for help and is an encouraging teammate through positivity and celebrating others’ successes.”

This year will be Reeves’s first year on varsity, and Ms. Estrada and Coach Thomas hope she continues to be coachable and embraces every opportunity for growth and improvement. 

“I know she will contribute her positive energy toward the team culture we have set and become a huge impact within the senior class,” Ms. Estrada said. “I want her to lead by example and model the discipline, commitment, accountability and resilience it takes to be successful as a varsity team member.”

Through every year in high school, Reeves encourages anyone to seek out a solid group of friends who you know will always be there for you.

“High school gets tough, and the support of your friends is sometimes all that you need,” Reeves said. “If I did not have the group of friends I have now, my high school experience would not be what it has been, and I don’t know where I would be without them.”

Reeves hopes that in her senior year, she can focus on not taking any moment for granted and not wasting any time. 

“As time adds, it subtracts from life’s precious moments,” Reeves said. “I can’t waste my time in choir, drill and school because it’s all going to run out faster than I believe. I don’t want to regret anything. I want to believe that I did everything I could to leave my legacy before I leave Legacy for good.”