Westmoore’s Lillee Chavedo
By Chris Dietrich
The Dance of a Lifetime
From years of dancing to performing on a varsity team as a first-year guard performer, freshman Lillee Chavedo uses her many years of experience to put on a fantastic show. A performer at “A Step Above—School of Dance,” Chavedo has spent ten years with them, learning the art of dance from a very young age. During that time, she joined Pom in her eighth-grade year, adding to her dance experience. She decided to join guard her freshman year and continued into winter guard the following semester. “I’ve been a competitive dancer for ten years; it helped me a lot. I was in Pom eighth grade year. I made the JV team, but they cut it, so I tried to do guard in my second semester 8th-grade year. I got Covid and couldn’t do it. So, I waited until my freshman year to join. It’s been great. I’ve struggled with some of the tosses, but I’ve had people help me a lot. I might become a captain, but I want upperclassmen to have a chance to be captain as well,” Chavedo said.
Westmoore’s Varisty Winter Guard Team performed “Rise” this year, using the song “Skyscraper” by Demi Lovato. The music conveys a story about how to rise above your obstacles and build on the people trying to bring you down. Each student has a unique moment in which they tell this story. Chavedo has a solo within the performance, showcasing that you must rise above. Her solo includes flips, cartwheels, and even a handstand. “When I think about a time someone tore me down, I start dancing, which helps me control it. It also helps me get into character, reminding myself of how I’ve risen above those people. Throughout all your failures, never give up and keep trying,” Chavedo said.
