For most people watching from the stands, Alana Taylor is easy to spot. Her confidence, control, and passion shine through every performance. But behind the clean lines and powerful movement is a senior dance captain whose impact goes far beyond the stage. For Alana, dance has never been just about trophies or technique, it’s been about growth, connection, and learning how to lead with heart.
As a senior dance captain, Taylor defines leadership as something deeper than giving instructions or running rehearsals. To her, it’s about awareness and compassion. She makes it a point to notice when someone is struggling, whether that’s a teammate falling behind in choreography or someone quietly dealing with stress outside the studio.
Alana admits that being a captain came with a new level of pressure not just to perform well herself, but to make sure the entire team felt included and motivated. She took pride in setting the tone, reminding the team that it’s possible to work hard while still enjoying each other’s company.
“I wanted us to feel like a family,” she said. “We can laugh and have fun, but we also know when it’s time to focus and dance.”
Much of Alana’s approach to leadership was shaped long before her senior year, at DK Dance Productions. After years of training there, the studio has become a second home. She credits DK not only for improving her technique, but for helping her grow into the person she is today. “DK is a place where I’ve always felt accepted and supported,” Taylor said. “They teach more than dance, they teach confidence, self-love, and perseverance.”
One moment at DK stands out as life-changing. What started as a normal class turned into an emotional experience when dancers were asked to write down their insecurities, share them aloud if they felt comfortable, and then rip the paper apart. As the lights dimmed and music played, they danced while throwing the torn pieces into the air.
“That day changed everything for me,” Taylor said. “It helped me stop comparing myself to others and start accepting who I am.”
That mindset followed her into competitions, where she has earned multiple first-place finishes in different categories. Still, Taylor says winning isn’t what drives her anymore. When her name is called, her reaction is one of gratitude and reflection rather than expectation. “I’m really hard on myself,” she said. “I don’t let placements define me as a dancer or as a person.”
One competition that stands out was the Highland competition with the Marquette dance team. The team earned first place in both jazz and lyrical, and Taylor’s solo also placed first. The moment was especially meaningful because of the positive feedback they received from other dancers and audience members.
“It reminded me that the work we put in really mattered,” she said.
Balancing school, leadership responsibilities, and competitive dance hasn’t always been easy. There are moments when the pressure feels overwhelming, but Alana has learned to stay grounded by focusing on the bigger picture. She sees dance as a part of her future, which motivates her to keep pushing forward.
“I take things one step at a time,” she said. “Asking for help has also been really important for me.”
Behind the success, Alana has faced challenges that many people never see. For years, she struggled with comparing herself to others — her body, technique, and performance style. Over time, she’s learned to shift
her mindset and celebrate small victories rather than focusing on perfection. “Once I stopped comparing myself, I found more confidence and joy in my dancing,” she said.
Now, as a senior, Alana views dance in an entirely different way than when she first started. What once felt like memorizing steps now feels like storytelling and self-expression. Dance has become a reflection of her
personal journey and growth.
When thinking about the legacy she hopes to leave behind, Alana focuses on the impact she’s had on others. She wants younger dancers to remember her as someone who led with kindness, worked hard, and encouraged growth.
“I want them to know it’s okay to struggle and take time finding your own style,” she said. “Dance isn’t about being perfect.”
For Alana Taylor, dance has become more than movement, it’s a way to lead, inspire, and connect. And as she prepares to move on from her senior season, one thing is clear: her influence will continue long after the final count is called.
2026 Archived Article by Amani McClendon
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