As the U-High dance team prepares for a competition, nerves and energy are high. Amid the crowd of anxiously preparing girls, senior Camila Bravo weaves through the team, fastening bows in each girl’s hair, completing their dance look. This is one of her favorite parts of getting ready for a competition.

Ever since she was 3 years old, Camila has found her passion in dancing: from jazz and modern dance when she was younger to Mexican folkloric dance and the U-High team now. 

Through compliments and uplifting smiles, Camila has presented herself as a positive and essential presence on the dance team, both on and off the dance floor.

Another thing Camila loves about being a part of the dance team is getting to know each of her teammates on a personal level, making it easier for her to support them positively.

“I’m really big on those social moments and getting to know each of my teammates or celebrating right after a dance, and just enjoying the moment,” Camila said.

Especially as a senior, Camila has stepped into a leadership role, coming out of her shell and uplifting her teammates wherever she can.

“This year, I’ve really tried to be more authentic,” Camila said. “Usually I’m a bit quiet, but I challenged myself to be more social this year, which can happen even just through a smile.”

While Camila is naturally a positive person, she believes that dance isn’t only about being positive but also about applying herself.

“Putting in work is really important, because sure, some people are born with that talent to dance, but you have to put in so much work and dedication to get results,” Camila said. “You don’t have to be the best dancer, but if you give your 100% on the floor, you really will shine.”

Camila finds that staying positive isn’t always easy, but because of her love for dance she’s able to stay cheerful.

“I think it’s definitely draining to be positive,” Camila said. “However I think I do keep a positive attitude because I really do enjoy dance, it’s one of my passions, so I find it really easy to smile and to be positive.”

During her two years on the dance team, sophomore Dorothy Jennett has felt Camila’s positivity. Camila’s captivating cheeriness has especially caught Dorothy’s attention and is one of the reasons Dorothy sees her as such a big role model.

“The thing that I love about Camila is she’s the most positive person on the team,” Dorothy said. “She always walks in with a smile on her face, and even when things are rough or we’re struggling, she’s encouraging others, and she really just brings a joy to the team.”

Dorothy has also especially noticed Camila’s ability to empower her and their other teammates, even when they make a mistake.

“Even after I’ve messed up sometimes, or the team didn’t do great, she’s always like ‘Come on guys, we’ll have other chances,’” Dorothy said. “Even if you feel discouraged, she’s always uplifting everyone.”

Dance team coach Nicole Petersen, a P.E. teacher, has also noticed Camila’s ability to bring a positive attitude to the team and thinks it shows her immense growth. 

“She takes her role very seriously as a senior on the team. She came out her sophomore year, and to see her growth from then to now is night and day,” Ms. Petersen said. “She’s really come out of her shell in regards to the way she dances, her confidence and how she helps others.”

This confidence shows as Camila secures the last bow in her teammates’ hair, she smiles at the progress she’s made both physically in dance and through her positive attitude on the team.