Under the bright lights of Roosevelt University’s gym, freshman dancer Liliani takes a deep breath before the music begins. Around her, her teammates huddle close, offering last-minute pep talks and hyping each other up. “We just make sure to remind each other that it’s not just about doing your best — it’s also about having fun and performing for the crowd,” she said. “And honestly, we always do a chant before we go out there.”
As a first-year student on Roosevelt’s college dance team, Liliani has learned quickly that the college dance world is about more than choreography — it’s about energy, confidence, and teamwork. “My favorite part about performing is that you have to make people want to watch you,” she said. “You just have to give a good performance. That’s what I love about it.”
The excitement and pressure of performing at the collegiate level are high, but for Liliani, her team’s energy always pushes her through. “Before every performance, everyone just starts talking about doing your best, and that’s when I feel the most like, okay — I can do this,” she said. “Especially after all the long practices. That team energy just hits.”
Still, not every day is easy. Between classes, rehearsals, and balancing life as a freshman, motivation can dip. When that happens, Liliani gives herself grace. “I remind myself that it’s okay to not always give 100% as long as you’re giving your best for that day,” she said. “Sometimes you just need more laid-back days, and that’s okay.”
Dance, for her, has become more than a hobby — it’s shaped who she’s becoming. “I’ve learned that even if you doubt yourself, you’ll still get better if you just work at it,” she said. “Being on the team has made me more disciplined. I take better care of my health now, and I’m more focused on improving myself.”
That mindset has carried her beyond the studio. Whether it’s schoolwork or self-confidence, the lessons from dance stick with her: consistency, patience, and believing in herself even when things get tough.
To high school dancers dreaming of joining a college team, Liliani has one piece of advice — go for it. “It doesn’t matter how good the team is,” she said. “If you show up, try your best, and work hard every day, you can make it — and once you’re on the team, you’ll only get better.”
For Liliani, dance isn’t just about the choreography or competition. It’s about growth, friendship, and learning to keep moving — even when the rhythm gets hard to follow.
