As the annual Honozulu Dance Competition approaches, members of the dance club at McKinley High School are excited for the upcoming performance on March 15, 5pm-9pm  at Farrington High School.

The dance club president, Shania McArthur (c/o 2025) said that their next performance is for their annual Honozulu dance competition and she hopes that both of their teams place in the varsity and mega. “We put a lot of work into our pieces, and I want everyone to have fun performing on stage and feel a sense of teamwork,” she said.

Madelyn Vo (c/o 2028) said, “We should definitely have the best time of our lives making the most out of it!” She also mentioned her dreams of reaching high within the dance club, like becoming one of the club officers one day.

The club has established a consistent practice schedule to ensure that all members are prepared. “We practice every Wednesday and Thursday after school,” McArthur said. “Our club is super consistent when it comes to schedules and member retention.”

Vo stressed the importance of keeping everyone on track. “We keep in contact if we have unexpected plans or issues ahead of time. We also make sure to come to every practice.”

Francis Vilar is a secondary teacher who educates in the foundations of business marketing and also the dance director of the MHS dance club. He said the importance of communication and practice for success.

 “The only advice I can give to the members is to practice consistently,” Vilar said. “That’s the key to keeping up with your stamina and choreography.” He also said that the dance club members would sometimes go on runs as part of their routine.

Vilar’s vision for the club’s performance is a departure from last year’s Super Bowl theme. “This year, we wanted to go for something darker and more unique,” he said. “We’re incorporating street styles, which are the focuses of this competition.” 

The challenges that the club face has to do with communication, but Vilar and the members have found that meeting in person helps resolve issues effectively. 

“We’ve had some miscommunication issues in the past,” Vilar said. “But talking in person has been really helpful since we can’t really communicate properly through Text or Instagram.” 

McArthur said that the sense of community it provides is the most rewarding aspect of the club. 

“Dance has strengthened me, given me confidence and allowed me to make a lot of great friends and connections since we all share the same passion,” she said. “When I’m on stage, I can hear everyone cheering and feel the rush of adrenaline. All the leg injuries, back pain and months of preparation becomes worth it at that moment. I truly get to enjoy how it feels.”

Vo said that after a while of being at the club, she was able to become a better version of herself by striving to do her best in dance and giving it her all.  “I learned a lot, physically and mentally.” 

Vilar said, “I hope that the club will win the competition at least once in their lifetime,” he said. “We’ve placed before, but we’ve never won.” Vilar also aspires for the club to win the competition at least once. He said this is because he won dance awards before, and he wishes for his students to feel that same satisfaction and confidence.

“Every day is going to be different, so being open-minded and being prepared to make adjustments is crucial,” he said as advice to aspiring dance advisors.