Byron Center — Byron Center High Schools’ varsity dance team members arrived at Kathy’s Dance Company for practice on a Friday afternoon, after a full week of classes and other obligations.
The team of 11 girls stretched and strapped weights to their ankles and wrists to warm up. Then they jumped into their three routines in preparation for a competition the next day, the last one of their first season.
Coach Molly Najmolhoda watched closely, shouted reminders and after a full run through of the first number, told her dancers, “You know the drill. Take a breath, grab a drink, stand up tall.”
Najmolhoda, who is also a lead competitive coach at Kathy’s Dance Company, choreographed the Byron Center dance team’s jazz, hip hop and pom pom routines.
“All she can do is give us the steps,” explained senior Kylie Sheldon between sips of water. “We have to put our best effort forward and make things clean and perfected.”
Determined to Keep Dancing
Byron Center dancers partnered with Caledonia High School last year to compete, but sophomore Adalynn McAvoy said there were enough girls from BCHS interested in dancing for their school. BCHS previously had a dance team that did not resurface after the COVID-19 pandemic, so the dancers started their own team.
“I wanted to be on this dance team and my (studio) competitive dance coach (Najmolhoda) was willing to help us put it together,” Adalynn said. “We wanted to show and represent our own school.”
The team is student-led and fully funded by their own fundraising efforts, including donations from families and community members. The dancers also hosted a youth clinic and Zumba class fundraiser at Brown Elementary to help cover their uniform costs and competition entry fees.
“They’re doing all the work and making their school look good,” said Najmolhoda, who donates her time and choreographing skills. “Dance is a growing sport on the west side of Michigan, and these girls are showing the talent that Byron Center has.”
The girls have ranked in top three at this season’s competitions; at their final competition hosted by Davenport University, the team placed first for their jazz routine and second for pom and hip-hop dances.
Sophomore Avery Sokol said being a part of the new team gave her and her teammates the chance to show their school what dance is all about and why they love it.
Having only competed with her studio before this school year, Kylie added that dancing on a team has helped her grow as a dancer.
“I’m going to college next year, and I want to be able to continue to dance in a club or something to keep myself in a world that I love,” she said.
Junior Katelyn Jerberg plans to dance at a collegiate level and said learning different styles and having high-school team competitions under her belt will add to her resume.
“This dance team has become an outlet and like a second family to me,” Adalynn said. “(While dancing) I can tune into my emotions but not have to express them with my words.”
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