The music of their latest move ment pulsating through the room; subtle rustling and skimming of sneakers across the smooth dance floor; soft sighs of exhaustion mixing with gleeful giggles and hearty laughs.
For Septa, the JIS high school dance team, it all comes together: choreography, connection, and community.
For the members, the only word that could truly encapsulate what Septa meant to them: a close-knit, supportive group bound by their love for dance is “family.”
Origins & Originality
Septa started with a spark. During the high school production of In the Heights in 2022, as a sophomore, alumnae Dain Choi had the idea to create a dance team that would offer dancers the freedom to express themselves in ways that the contemporary-focused dance classes could not.
Recalling the initial feeling, “It was the first time that we could freely do anything we wanted with choreography,” Yoojeong said.
Now, Septa consists of eight dancers across each high school grade: Yoojeong, Kiara, Calista, Kaylee, Kay, Hannah, Alyssa, and Jooha.
“We are all people that love dancing and performing on stage, and we just want to share that passion with others. But, [preparing for performances] actually takes a lot of time and effort.”
Determination
The month before an upcoming performance can be extremely taxing, both physically and mentally. The Septa members often find themselves juggling the effort required to create new dances from scratch, schoolwork, and personal commitments.
Conflicting schedules are one of the most significant challenges the team faces, especially this school year, as three of the team members are in their senior year.
“We always try to show up in a good mood, ready to choreograph, and oftentimes, that is when we get a little frustrated [with] each other.”
Unlike most dance teams that perform set routines or work with outside choreographers, Septa takes pride in crafting original choreography for every performance—and that process is far from simple.
Coming up with something fresh that balances the creative visions of eight people can be tricky. From collaborating on moves, and adjusting formations, all the way to refining the smallest details, the whole team works together to ensure that everything flows.
While disagreements may arise during the process, as Yoojeong said, “[The team] has developed this really unique relationship with each other where we are comfortable in sharing our opinions.”
Their creative process can be extremely intense, requiring hours of trial and error. However, it is due to the moments of frustration that the team always manages to put on a performance that they are proud of.
“At the end of the day, we all just want the same thing: the best for Septa. We are like a family, and families fight a lot. But we know that it is out of love.”
Dedication
Their commitment to the group extends far beyond the dance floor; the members have woven team practice into their daily lives. A month prior to a performance, they spend nearly every lunchtime and after-school hour, as well as four-hour-long weekend sessions together—which can mean sacrificing moments of leisure.
“During our first year, Kay and I found it hard not to see our other friends as often because we were always practicing during lunch,” Kaylee admitted. “But as time went on, we got comfortable and wanted to [spend more time together].”
Contrary to how they may be perceived, the members never view dancing as a burden to their studies, but rather, as a creative outlet and escape that recharges their energy. For these dancers, Septa has become an integral part of who they are.
“Performing is so fun for me,” Kay stated. “The joy and adrenaline [creates] a feeling that cannot be replaced.”
This dedication can be seen in the way Septa operates as a whole, not just during practices but also in their performances.
“There is a moment before each performance when we are all holding hands, doing our cheer, and everything we have worked so hard on—costumes, planning, music, choreography—comes together,” Alyssa said. “We put in so much time and effort into each performance, and afterwards, we want to relive the moment and anticipate the next one.”
Their commitment is not limited to rehearsals or perfecting their routines; it extends to how they culture as a team, with a shared focus and energy that defines their strength.
“Fierce,” is how advisor and dance teacher Mr. Cali describes the way the team operates and performs together. “Watching them perform is inspiring.”
While dance is traditionally perceived in a light, feminine aura, Septa has helped to showcase its athleticism and power.
Now, it is not only the members that regard Septa as more than a dance team; the group has become an emblem of school pride here at JIS. For the members, that recognition brings both a sense of accomplishment and the weight of expectations.
Legacy
“We all feel very proud.”
For the members, knowing that their hard work reaches the thoughts and emotions of others makes everything worth it, turning each dance number into something meaningful and memorable.
That pride, however, comes with its own kind of pressure: to consistently evoke emotion and reach beyond the moves. This pressure to create purposeful performances has also shaped the dancers themselves.
“Even though Septa might just be a dance group to some people, to us, it is a lot more,” Alyssa said. “It has connected us to IASAS Dance, [the production of] ATSU reimagined last year, and to each other.”
Seeing the growth of Septa has been all the more meaningful, especially for the members who joined when it was still in its early stages.
“When I first came into Septa, it was pretty fresh and new. And I feel so proud that I joined at a time when we started getting more active and [the team] got closer,” Kay said with a smile. “I am just happy that I was part of that process. We have grown so much, and now, people really care about Septa and look forward to our performances.”
The team’s passion for dance has propelled Septa forward, but knowing that they are now an integral part of JIS spirit has elevated their sense of responsibility. Each performance is not just for themselves anymore—it is for the entire school, a symbol of unity, energy, and dedication. While that pressure is real, it is also what drives them to push harder, create more, and continue sharing their love of dance with the JIS community.
As Septa continues to evolve, the current members cannot help but wonder what the future holds for the team once they have graduated. For Yoojeong, who has been with Septa since its start, graduating high school and leaving the team will be bittersweet.
“I will remember the times after practice when [the whole team] lies down on the floor and starts talking about life,” Yoojeong said, reminiscing. “That dynamic will definitely be missed.”
Moving forward, Yoojeong hopes that Septa will remain a place where hidden talents are revealed; where dancers who might not have had formal training can still showcase their passion.
“I hope the relationship stays like this forever,” Kaylee said, echoing the shared sentiment of the group.
As the members reflect on their time together, one thing is clear: Septa is not just about the dance routines, the applause, or even the school spirit—it is about the bond they have built, one that will hopefully last long even after members depart.
For Yoojeong and the other seniors, leaving Septa behind is a difficult thought. But as they look to the future, they know that this sense of family they have built will carry on.
“I want to come back and see that Septa is still there,” Yoojeong said, her voice filled with hope. “I wish for Septa to continue growing, but always stay true to what we started: a space to come together and express a love for dance.”
