Ruby Estrada-Mujica
BELVIDERE DANCE TEAM (sophomore)
1ST TIME ON THE 8CA ALL-STATE DANCE TEAM
2 years
All the early competition mornings. Being able to share a close bond with ever single one of these girls will forever have a special place in my heart. Especially being able to get ready with them and helping each other out with hair, makeup and choreography. A girlhood which I hope to keep experiencing in my future dance life.
Some things to know about me as a dancer is that I will not give up easy. I will push through any obstacles or pain to be able to dance. I will typically push through injuries just to be on stage and performing. When I perform I feel as if I am expressing myself in ways words can’t. I love to push myself to learn new things and take advantage of my flexibility. If I want to learn a skill I will spend hours working on it pushing through any mental blocks. I love to learn different things and am very open minded to try different things whenever I am doing something dance-related or showing my talent and love for dance. I have always said to myself and other dancers, don’t wish for it, work for it. My teammates are all very talented. They are hard workers and beautiful. We never let each other give up or struggle. When someone has a problem we have all built a trust to text our group chat and voice our thoughts. The whole team overall is very supportive of each other and strong. I can’t wait to see where the future will take us all.
I would like to give my entire dance team a shoutout for all their support. Not once did they ever let me bring myself down but they encouraged me to keep going and not give up. I love them all and will miss all the early competitions with them. Another person is my sister Darlene who would help train me outside of dance and would help me learn new things. Along with my brother Angel who encouraged me to keep going when I was feeling discouraged since he knew how difficult all the training was. Angela, Mya and Casey: I love you all dearly and thank you for pushing me and hearing me out on the difficult nights. Without you 3 I wouldn’t have a reason to be so smiley during the long practices. Lastly my coaches Amanda and Keyla. The 2 women who I have to thank the most for the dancer I am today. They have consistently pushed me the hardest throughout this season including the nights where I felt my weakest. They would push me past my limits because they saw my potential. They always encouraged me to try many new things such as tricks, styles and work ethics. Being here today makes all the injuries and long nights worth it. I thank God for letting me experience this moment and acknowledge all my hard work. Just like it says in the book of Joshua Chapter 1 Verse 9: Be strong and courageous: Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. He is to who I prayed before performing when the pressure and nerves were getting to me especially on the lonely nights where I felt as if I had no one else to go to. I thank you all for the opportunity and support during this dance season.
I love to perform every style and watch all styles.
When I’m not dancing I like to play soccer, do track and field, take acro classes, and practice different makeup looks.
This dancer has not only improved over this past season but excelled. She has pushed herself to better her technique and learn new skills. Her turns are definitely her strong suit but she also has great musicality and extension with jumps and leaps.