This year the South Lakes dance team only has one senior. Sierra Hughes is the first student of the class of 2026 to be on the dance team. She has been dancing for 10 years, and this is her first year on the team. When asked what she is looking forward to the most this season, she said, “walking with my family for senior night.” 

When we asked Hughes about the tryout process, she states, “I was nervous at tryouts especially on the last day when we had to perform our solos and tryout dance to the judges but all the other girls and even Coach Slaight helped me stay calm throughout the process.” 

Being a senior athlete in a sport is a huge leadership role, especially when you are the only senior. Hughes says, “Even though there are no captions this year and this being my first year on the team I look up to the juniors who were on the team prior years for advice and support when it comes to leadership.” 

When we asked Hughes about her favorite memory so far, she said, “One of my favorite memories from being on the team was UDA camp at JMU. At the end of a long day we would all debrief and practice together and we all got really close as a team.” Along with this, Hughes also earned All American at UDA Camp 2025. 

High school dance is difficult, but college dance is a whole different world. Hughes says, “I don’t have any set plans yet for where I am going for college but wherever I go I hope to continue to dance whether it’s for a college dance team or just a small club team as dance is such a big part of my life.” 

When asked for one piece of advice she would give to anyone interested in trying out for the Dance Team, she said, “Do it, it has been the highlight of my senior year and I love my team and Coach.” 

We wish Hughes and the rest of the Dance Team lots of luck as they continue their season!