Green Hope junior, Natalie Hancock (‘26), is committed to an art form that provides her a true passion. As a child, she had always loved to express herself through dance. Now, Hancock is embracing this love through the Green Hope Dance Team.
According to Hancock, “My parents put me into dance when I was two years old and I have been in love with it ever since.” This art form had always made Hancock feel empowered – but seeing the impact it had amplified her commitment to dancing. As she continued, she realized how much joy seeing how performances made people happy and uplifted brought her.
Hancock joined the Green Hope Dance Team her freshman year and quickly learned there was more to dance then merely practicing. She gained leadership abilities, and now serves as captain for the 2024-25 school year. “I have always wanted to be a captain especially since joining the dance team my freshman year. Having the ability to help lead and guide a team is so special,” Hancock explained.
Earning her role as one of three captains didn’t come easy. Freshman year, Hancock suffered from a traumatic brain injury that challenged her dancing career. “My freshman year I suffered from a concussion and permanent brain injury. Not only did this prevent me from performing at nationals with my team, I couldn’t attend school or dance for over a month,” she recalled.
Before her injury Hancock was able to perform one of her favorite routines that they ended up using for nationals. The choreography was incredibly dynamic and engaging, she described, , recalling how it energized up the entire team.
After recovering from her injury, Hancock found a way to continue dancing and building up her team. “Whenever our team is down, we try to talk it out and give them pep talks to encourage everyone to push themselves,” she said.
On top of building up her team, she also learned how to handle conflicts. Hancock said, “When handling conflicts we are typically a bridge between coach and the girls. We all have our own groups in which we are in charge of relaying messages to our group mates if a problem arises and the coach talks with them if problems aren’t resolved.”
Overall, Hancock has loved being able to dance with her team and get a chance to make an impact. “Being a captain is so special and something that I think everyone should strive to experience. Being that support system and anchor of the team, gives you such a strong feeling of purpose,” said Hancock, reinforcing the contributions that dance has made in her life.
Reflecting on the last few years, Hancock credits a large portion of her high school career to the Dance Team. She has loved being committed to a wonderful group of people, making an impact in the community and continuing a passion she’s fostered for years. “I want the dance team to continue to be a positive, inclusive team where everyone feels welcome and comfortable.”
