The sound of blaring music, feet hitting the hardwood floor, and echoing laughter are some evident signs that a new dance instructor and assistant coach for the Majestics, Holly Whitfield, has come to Emerson High School. Her enthusiasm and talent for dance started at a young age, developed throughout her life, and is now ready to enrich the minds of Emerson’s students.
Whitfield’s gift was quickly recognized by her parents at two years old, so she started going to a studio in Waco, Texas.
“I never looked back,” Whitfield said. “There’s nothing else I can see myself doing.”
She’s now pursuing her passion by dancing for a basketball team, the Texas Legends, as well as coaching here at EHS.
“[Teaching] has been my dream for a few years, and I’m getting to do that each and every day,” Whitfield said.
Not everyone has the qualifications to become a dancer or a teacher, but a special few have the drive.
One of her favorite quotes, “Hard work beats talent when talent stops working hard,” represents the theme that Whitfield believes in: Dance is contagious but requires immense dedication.
“Some people are born with it, but it may not be a love or passion that you have, and some people are just ready to work hard and so it rubs off on them,” Whitfield said.
She puts in the effort and hard work, which makes sense considering how much it means to her.
“Dance to me means having fun. It seems almost too simple to say, but dance gives me a chance to do so many things I enjoy, like learning new things, teaching others, improving, and finding areas of growth for myself,” Whitfield said.
Whitfield is not only expanding her capabilities, but also the EHS drill team, the Majestics, with whom she spends many hours. It was a minor struggle getting back in the groove, but it’s been an amazing opportunity full of memories. There are many dancers who dedicate a large portion of their lives to be part of the team, and Whitfield is a positive influence on all of their lives. She doesn’t just focus on the dance aspect of the team; throughout practices, classes, and performances, she learns who each person is, so she can help them reach their objectives and make the experience as gratifying as possible.
“My favorite part about being with Majestics is getting to go on thirty different journeys of personal growth,” Whitfield said. “Even though we are all involved in the same organization, every member of the team has different goals, personal, dance, anything in between that they want to accomplish, and I get to advise them on the way through their journey.”
Whitfield has had an extremely successful first year, but she knows there’s more to improve.
“I’m excited to be in my veteran season. I was a rookie teacher this year, so getting a second shot at things, improving on things I want to do, and adding more goals for myself [is something I’m excited for next year],” Whitfield said.
Although Whitfield has had struggles, she’s overcome those challenges and achieved her dreams. The dancers at EHS appreciate her effort and dedication, which has resulted in amazing experiences and deep connections.
“Sometimes, it’s a lot of information going through your brain in and out. But I think it’s all worth it in the end.”
