![“[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)
Harker Dance Company and Kinetic Krew kicked off the year with new choreography and team bonding during a camp led by United Spirit Association (USA) on campus from Aug. 13 to 15.
Both teams learned three dances and one camp combination together in classes led by USA instructors Madison Moura and Sydney Smith. Dancers closed off the camp by showcasing their routines in the Patil Theater on Friday.
“We were lucky to have two camp staff members from USA dance, spirit and cheer come to our school,” HDC co-director Jill Yager said. “Unity workshops, technique classes — just three days of hardcore dance community, exhaustion and a lot of sore muscles.”
HDC learned jazz routines to “See Me Now,” “Mantra” and “Rumor Has It” while KK danced to “Start a Riot,” “Make It Rain” and “Disco Inferno” with three hip-hop choreographies. Both teams also took part in a camp dance, featuring a jazz choreography to “Louder,” which they performed in small groups for the All-American audition on Friday.
First-year KK member Emma Zhou (10) pointed out the details in the “Start a Riot” choreography.
“That [dance] is a lot of really high energy,” Emma said. “There’s a bit of flailing around, like you’re going crazy, but that’s part of what makes it really fun. Our teacher really put a lot of thought into the nuances of what moves on what sound in the music, like the snares or snaps.”
Dancers also engaged in team bonding activities like Hit the Deck and Ships and Sailors. KK captain Nikhil Sharma (12) highlighted these moments spent raising spirits and hyping each other up.
“I really enjoyed the bonding moments and the lunches, because we had the opportunity to all sit together and talk to each other,” Nikhil said. “This is the first time this team has met, so it was a ton of fun meeting all the new people and finding this new energy, because each team brings its own vibe.”
The dancers wrapped up the week with a showcase, inviting students, faculty, parents and alumni to watch.
Although the camp ended, this closing marks the start to another year for both teams. HDC captain Hannah Jiang (11) looks forward to dancing with the team throughout the school year.
“I’m really excited to perform the routines we learn at camp or start an entirely new routine,” Hannah said. “Whether at rallies or our annual dance production, I trust that we will have an amazing time.”
Reflecting on the three days of camp, Yager commended the dancers for their positivity and effort throughout the camp. She encourages them to cherish the moments while dancing.
“It’s gonna be hard, it’s gonna be challenging, but that’s where they thrive,” Yager said. “They’re ridiculously hard workers, so I want them to enjoy it along the way and have a good time while they’re doing it.”
