Kate Kim: An Up-And-Coming Star

From bringing an upbeat energy to the Arts Council's annual Christmas busking event to performing their all in the various pep rallies throughout the year, the APAC Dance Team invokes cheers. Their efforts, driven by collective persistence and group work, have paved the way for a new art scene within our community. Allowing one to express themselves through movement, the dance team (as a connected platform for experienced dancers) strives for sustained development.

Recently, through the amazing opportunity to interview Kate Kim, a returning dancer from the past term, we are offered a glimpse into a world of communal endeavors. Describing collaboration as an essential facet of dancers' collective journey from "choreographing the dance routine and creating themes to base [their] performance on" to surveying minute details, including "props, outfits, etc. to be employed in [their] performances," she underscored the team's shared effort. Citing her favorite choreography, performed under Beyonce's lead single "Run the World," she reflects on how the group convened to express women's empowerment effectively through their movements, mirroring the song's lyrics. Within this idea-friendly environment encouraging participation from all, she felt at home despite initial obstacles — having been the youngest last year and having started as an alternate, she seeks to play an essential role in forwarding an uplifting atmosphere for new members to share their voices comfortably.

Seguing to personal experiences, Kate recalls the APAC dance auditions as a transitional period that shaped her impressions of high school: during the first week of the new term. Albeit tense, she notes the process was enlightening in retrospect. Regardless of the stressful nature of the tenuous process, she believes it was a stepping stone to connecting with her community. In particular, having communicated with upperclassmen and mentors who would come to define her experience, she is grateful for her introduction.

For Kate, lead dance coordinator Jason — who she'd worked with for both the middle years' rendition of the High School Musical and Dance team — was an incredibly supportive guide during this period and beyond. Upon her entry into the team, his passion for dance was an outlet for inspiration. Allowing herself to talk about her feelings toward dance, she believes he helped her become more mature and open up to mentors in other areas of her life, including teachers!

Noting the importance of forging these relationships, she urges the incoming Freshmen to seek opportunities. Extending to new areas of interest, she mentions her inspiration in playing a pivotal role in her new personal project: molding her story as a dancer.

Promoting a unified artistic spirit for the student body and faculty alike to appreciate their efforts opens up opportunities for new voices, the dance team stands strong. In effect, Kate, emphasizing a genuine connection to her pursuit, discovered a deep sense of authenticity that characterized her means of expression. Having begun dance of her volition, she strides toward development. An outlet to find herself, she wonders what's next to come.