Thursday, March 13, 2025
Woodland Dance Team: A Legacy of Growth and Dedication
From the very beginning, Woodland High School dance coach Andria Terry had a vision for the future. When she first proposed the idea of a dance team to school administrators, they gave their approval—with one condition: the team would not compete in its first year. Instead, the Woodland Dance Team focused on performing at home games and participating in exhibition dances at competitions, using the time to refine their skills and observe the competitive dance world.
That slow and steady start didn’t deter the team. It laid the foundation for the success that would follow.
Building a Legacy
Fast-forward 12 years, and the Woodland Dance Team has grown into a force to be reckoned with. The team now boasts 15 dedicated members, including 10 returning dancers from the previous season. Their evolution as a team has been key to their continued success.
For the past two years, they have qualified at regionals, earning the opportunity to compete at nationals. However, Coach Terry knew they needed more experience to truly be competitive on the national stage. That experience came in their most recent trip to nationals—an event that proved to be a turning point for the team.
Growth on the National Stage
Attending nationals brought about rapid and transformative growth.
“The amount of growth was amazing,” Terry said, the pride in her team evident in her smile. “They learned how to trust each other, how to work as a team.”
Though they narrowly missed making it to the finals, the team’s performance was the best they had ever delivered. They applied all the lessons they had learned—not just about dance, but about teamwork, resilience, and trust.
“They danced the best they ever have and truly danced as a unit,” Terry said.
More Than Just Dance
For Terry, dance isn’t just about movement and choreography—it’s about instilling real-life skills that her dancers will carry with them beyond high school.
“They learn how to work hard and succeed, but also how to fail and work through that failure,” she explained. “They learn what it means to be part of a community and how to support each other.”
These lessons in perseverance, teamwork, and personal growth extend far beyond the dance floor, preparing the dancers for challenges they will face in life. The student dancers agree. When asked what being on the dance team has taught them, they had plenty to share.
Lessons in Hard Work and Mindset
Taya Smith emphasized the power of mentality in pushing through challenges.
"Being on the Woodland High School Dance Team has definitely taught me how to always make sure that I am pushing myself. In order to do that, the most important thing is to change your mindset. We may have practices that are six-plus hours long or early morning practices, but if you think about the improvement you’ll make and keep the mindset that the only thing holding you back is yourself, you’ll see dramatic changes."
Samantha Shores echoed this sentiment, crediting dance with shaping her work ethic.
"Being part of the dance team has shown me the value of hard work! I think back to all those long practices where we put in the effort to perfect our routines. Those moments have helped shape my strong work ethic today."
Pushing Beyond Limits
For Jasmine Wilson, the team has been a source of motivation and self-discovery.
"This team has taught me that I can push myself a lot more than I ever thought I could—not just in dance but in life too. I love all the girls on this team and can’t imagine life without them."
Hanna Duncan reflected on the discipline and teamwork she has gained.
"Being on the Woodland Dance Team has not only taught me to be a better dancer but also a better person. It has instilled in me the importance of discipline, teamwork, and resilience. Through countless hours of practice, I've learned that dedication, the right mindset, and commitment are key to improving both individually and as a team. Working together with others, I’ve come to appreciate the value of trust and effective communication, as every member plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious performance. Dance has also taught me how to handle challenges and setbacks gracefully, whether it's mastering a difficult routine or overcoming nerves before a performance. Ultimately, being part of the Woodland Dance Team has shaped my character and instilled a strong work ethic."
The Power of Teamwork
Olivia Mason spoke about the unparalleled motivation that comes from being surrounded by like-minded teammates.
"Being on this dance team has taught me that being surrounded by people who have the same goal as you motivates you in a way that is unmatched. Showing up and putting in 110% is not just about improving for yourself—you’re also doing it for your team. If you lack dedication, work ethic, or the right mindset, it becomes apparent. So when walking into practice, it's critical to leave everything at the door and open your mind to progress and growth. Through this journey, I've gained lifelong friends and memories that I will cherish forever."
Brooklynn Woolfe emphasized the importance of surrounding herself with the right people.
"One of the most important things dance has taught me is what a real team is like. When I show up to practice and get to dance with the girls who love to do the same thing I do, my energy goes up so high knowing I get to dance with the people I love and trust the most. It has taught me the importance of surrounding myself with the right people so that I can strive to be the best version of myself."
Lessons That Extend Beyond Dance
For Katera Rappleye, the lessons learned on the dance team have shaped her approach to challenges in life.
"Being on the Woodland Dance Team for the past four years has taught me so many things, both dance-related and general life lessons. Learning how to push my body past the point my mind thinks I can take has been a big part of dance, especially this year. Changing my mindset to focus on the outcome and pushing for my team instead of focusing on the pain or struggle has been transformative. I have learned the importance of dedication and effort in seeing results that I am proud of. Trusting that my teammates are as dedicated and focused on achieving our full potential as I am has created such a successful and motivated team. This experience has taught me how to be accountable, trustworthy, helpful, and hardworking—qualities I will carry with me in all my future endeavors."
Trinity Busig shared how dance has helped her grow in multiple ways.
"Being on the Woodland Dance Team these last four years has taught me so much—how to be part of a team, self-discipline, and how to push myself further than I ever thought possible. It has helped build my confidence and communication skills. Without dance, I think I would have missed out on a lot of amazing opportunities and experiences, and I have created so many memories that will last a lifetime."
Matti Moss highlighted the self-discipline and confidence she has gained.
"Dance has taught me a deep sense of discipline, showing me that consistent effort and practice always pay off. I've learned the importance of teamwork and communication. It has built my confidence, teaching me to embrace vulnerability and push past my comfort zone."
Athena Franklin summed up her biggest lesson from dance.
"Hard work pays off. Push through the tough practices, trust your teammates, and most importantly, push yourself."
Kylie Whitmire reflected on how dance has challenged her personal growth.
"Being on the Woodland High School Dance Team has taught me so many important things, like pushing me out of my comfort zone and teaching me to embrace discomfort. Whether it's performing in front of others or learning to trust my body, dance has challenged me to grow. When you're dancing, you are expressing yourself without using words, and that has given me a lot of self-confidence and emotional awareness. Dance has also taught me the importance of having a strong bond with my teammates. Building trust and support within the team has shown me how vital it is to rely on others and work together."
More Than Just Dance
Through long practices, early mornings, and grueling rehearsals, these dancers have learned more than just choreography. They have gained resilience, self-discipline, teamwork, and confidence—skills that will stay with them long after they leave the dance floor.
For Terry and the Woodland Dance Team, it’s clear: dance is more than just movement. It’s a foundation for life.
Looking Ahead: The Road to State
With competition season in full swing, the team is now focused on their next big challenge: the district competition on March 15 at Mountain View High School. A strong performance there would qualify them for the state championships on March 28 at the Yakima Valley Sun Dome.
Regardless of the outcome, the team’s momentum never slows. Tryouts for the next season take place in May, and the team makes an effort to inspire the next generation by visiting Woodland Middle School—sparking interest in dance among soon-to-be freshmen.
As the Woodland Dance Team continues to evolve, one thing remains certain: their dedication, resilience, and passion will keep them moving forward, one step at a time.