Adopting the concept of secret admirers, the dance program has found new and exciting ways to spread inclusivity and team-bonding throughout the classes.
A traditional little buddy-big buddy system was put in place years ago to ensure a smooth transition for dancers into the program.
This buddy system is set up for the younger or newly enrolled dancers to have someone to rely on, answer questions, and act as a constant support system throughout the program.
“Buddies are so helpful. You can reach out whenever you need help, whatever time or day. It helps you get closer and build a good friendship with them,” said Tatem Altman (10).
“It’s really important to connect with your little buddy, it makes the team more connected,” said Ellie Iwamoto (11).
With the fast pace that the dance program runs, it’s important for the team to stay connected, communicate, and be constantly prepared for an upcoming performance, pep rally, or pregame show.
This year, the team modeled a new form of buddies that followed the concept of ‘secret admirers’.
Every big buddy, who are upperclassmen, was assigned to underclassmen as their little buddy.
For one week, big buddies were tasked with making small but personalized gifts that were secretly given to their little buddies during school. The gifts contained clues about the big buddy’s hidden identity.
“We got a text from the captains telling us who our buddy is, along with a list of their favorite things. We were supposed to secretly give them three gifts on different days throughout the week,” said Iwamoto.
Little buddies submitted google forms to the captains, in which they described their “favorites”. Once completed, forms were sent to the big buddies, where they creatively shopped and hid gifts in their little’s classes, lockers, and around campus. Before class, during lunch, and after school, big buddies would tiptoe around campus, finding unique ways to deliver gifts to their buddy.
“I received gifts in class, in my locker, and even found one on my porch at my house,” said Altman.
Teachers mysteriously gave students gifts from unknown identities, lockers were filled with sweets, and students anxiously awaited their presents.
“One of my friends told me to check my locker, I was really scared and when I opened my locker and I saw a lipgloss and a note inside, it was so cute,” said Altman.
After a week of guessing and gifting, the highly anticipated buddies were revealed.
Each of the team’s captains collaborated to come up with creative and exciting reveals. From classroom games to donut parties, each team had their own special and fun reveal.
“Captains split us into different rooms, big and little buddies, and handed us donuts. The little buddies ran in and found who had the matching donut, it was super sweet. My buddy ran to me and she was super excited,” said Iwamoto.
“When I walked in and saw my buddy, I was so excited and I was literally jumping for joy because they are my favorite people ever,” Altman.
