![“[Building nerf blasters] became this outlet of creativity for me that hasn't been matched by anything else. The process [of] making a build complete to your desire is such a painstakingly difficult process, but I've had to learn from [the skills needed from] soldering to proper painting. There's so many different options for everything, if you think about it, it exists. The best part is [that] if it doesn't exist, you can build it yourself," Ishaan Parate said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/DSC_8149-900x604.jpg)
![“When I came into high school, I was ready to be a follower. But DECA was a game changer for me. It helped me overcome my fear of public speaking, and it's played such a major role in who I've become today. To be able to successfully lead a chapter of 150 students, an officer team and be one of the upperclassmen I once really admired is something I'm [really] proud of,” Anvitha Tummala ('21) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Screen-Shot-2021-07-25-at-9.50.05-AM-900x594.png)
![“I think getting up in the morning and having a sense of purpose [is exciting]. I think without a certain amount of drive, life is kind of obsolete and mundane, and I think having that every single day is what makes each day unique and kind of makes life exciting,” Neymika Jain (12) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Screen-Shot-2017-06-03-at-4.54.16-PM.png)
![“My slogan is ‘slow feet, don’t eat, and I’m hungry.’ You need to run fast to get where you are–you aren't going to get those championships if you aren't fast,” Angel Cervantes (12) said. “I want to do well in school on my tests and in track and win championships for my team. I live by that, [and] I can do that anywhere: in the classroom or on the field.”](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC5146-900x601.jpg)
![“[Volleyball has] taught me how to fall correctly, and another thing it taught is that you don’t have to be the best at something to be good at it. If you just hit the ball in a smart way, then it still scores points and you’re good at it. You could be a background player and still make a much bigger impact on the team than you would think,” Anya Gert (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AnnaGert_JinTuan_HoHPhotoEdited-600x900.jpeg)
![“I'm not nearly there yet, but [my confidence has] definitely been getting better since I was pretty shy and timid coming into Harker my freshman year. I know that there's a lot of people that are really confident in what they do, and I really admire them. Everyone's so driven and that has really pushed me to kind of try to find my own place in high school and be more confident,” Alyssa Huang (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AlyssaHuang_EmilyChen_HoHPhoto-900x749.jpeg)
This week marked the beginning of the year’s after-school dance classes, held Monday through Thursday in the Upper School dance room.
The classes are focused on technique and are separated by level into two sessions: Technique 1 and Technique 2.
Each class begins with a warm-up that includes a combination of stretches, pushups, crunches, and split exercises. Then, the students move across the floor, working on their turns, leaps, jumps, and kicks.
The Technique 1 class centers on learning basic jazz, simple turns, and the introduction of leaps, while the Technique 2 class focuses on linking technical skills together through dance progressions, double and triple pirouettes, and leap combinations.
Technique 2 student and Varsity dancer Ria Desai (12) found the new classes to be more challenging and fast-paced than those of previous years.
“I think this year’s classes are actually harder,” she said. “[There are] a lot more complicated turns.”
In addition, dance student Renee Tam (12) felt that the after school dance classes are very useful.
“It really prepares you for the dance show and the audition,” she said.
She said she is hoping to develop better technique and more confidence when she dances.
Dance teacher Amalia De La Rosa agreed that the atmosphere of the after-school dance classes combined with the new policy requiring consistent attendance are very beneficial to students.
“It’s a lot better for the students individually because then they grow, and their skills build each week, and that’s a good thing,” she said.
De La Rosa said she expects attendance to increase to 15 or 20 students in the following week.
Classes are to run from September 4 to September 21. Time listings can be found on blue sheets inside and on the door of the dance room.
