The Senior Boys’ dance has been a Godwin staple for over 25 years now, generating more excitement with each passing year. The boys that sign up get together three times each week with select cheerleaders to rehearse the already-created dance to perform for the whole school at the Homecoming pep rally. Around 30 of the senior boys learn the choreography that is provided by seven cheerleaders, and you can count on them to dance to impress.
When asked what motivated him to dance, Godwin senior Will Maiden simply said, “My friends are doing it and it seems fun.” Alternatively, another Godwin senior, Garrett Carlton said, “I’ve been doing recitals for my studio for eight years, so I couldn’t miss out on something like this.”
Lev Nagel, the SCA president and the host for the pep rallies, explained, “I like to be involved in events for the school and putting on a show,” but most importantly, “I’m just partial to dancing.” For a variety of reasons, the guy’s dance always gathers the upperclassmen’s attention.
The dance has been a tradition with Godwin for years and has stayed as a consistent highpoint of pep rallies for as long as it’s been present. It has become a sought-after activity for guys as soon as they come to Godwin. Maiden reflected that his inspiration was mostly from older friends during his past years at Godwin. Similarly, Carlton said, “Ever since I saw the dance in 2022, it has always been an interest of mine.” Some hear from older friends, and others just like the sound of it but most seem to enjoy it.
Not only did it seem fun for Carlton, but he also noted, “It’s also cool to learn moves that I’ve had little exposure to [through the dance recitals].” You’d be surprised with the amount of work these boys put in, as well as the organization that goes into the dance; with the cheer team helping the boys get prepared.
In the month they’ve had together to prepare, the most enjoyable aspect has been their surrounding environment. “We just started practice last week and the best part is already having fun working with the cheerleaders and my friends,” said Maiden.
Due to the unserious and carefree nature of the senior guy dance, it’s pleasant for anyone who would want to participate in it. Carlton commented, “We’ve definitely found some type of balance in terms of having fun, but also being productive.” The boys involved always take things lightly, despite the time and energy put into the dance
With the whole school watching, high expectations are on the line every year for this. When asked about them, Maiden confidently stated, “The expectations are going to be amazing, the best senior dance in the history of Godwin.”
