Danielle Bates (Bowmanville, Ont.), a varsity dancer with the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks dance team has graduated this year from the kinesiology program.
 
During her time at Ontario Tech, Bates maintained a perfect 4.3 grade point average. It was no surprise that she was a recipient of the leadership award this year. When asked about how she balances her dedication to the dance team, as well as her academics, she outlined the principles that dancing has brought to her.
 
"Dance and academics go hand in hand," she said. "Growing up dancing taught me discipline, and the value of great work ethic. It translates directly into my academics. I find that I'm more productive when I do both rather than just doing one or the other. It has always helped me strengthen my time management and organizational skills."
 
Although she participated in many sports growing up, such as soccer and basketball, dance has always had a special place in her heart. Bates reminisces calling the stage her second home since she was two years old. Her most memorable moment on the stage as a Ridgebacks dancer is the year end showcase.
 
"It is my favourite. It is our way of connecting with our community. Our friends and family, as well as general public, can come to the show to support us. During this time, we're not in competitive mode, it is all about coming together, putting up the best show and having fun."
 
Bates strongly believes that a dance routine consists of many components, however, entertainment plays a huge role in competitive dance.
 
"A dance routine is a combination of good technique, good mind, good flexibility and good timing," she said. "The choreography needs to be interesting and capturing. But you want to entertain the audience; make them feel the mood that your team is targeting. Everyone on the team needs to project the same level of energy."
 
When asked about her experience with Jaslyn Eteli, the dance program's head coach, Bates had nothing but delightful things to say.
 
"We have a history. Jaslyn taught me for three years before I came to university. She cares about the team's well-being and makes sure to give everyone their own spotlight."
 
During the pandemic, Bates has been focusing on teaching the next generation of dancers, at the Living Arts Academy in Whitby, Ont., under Eteli's guidance. While at the end of her personal growth in dance, she hopes to inspire the next wave of dancers.
 
"It makes me feel purposeful in the dance world. I aim to be a better teacher and a better choreographer."
 
With her younger sister, Natalie Bates on the Ridgebacks dance team alongside her, Bates believes they are a package deal. Bates speaks highly of her younger sister's leadership skills. She believes that her sister is a leader in the making, who is super focused, light spirited and an overall great teammate.
 
Doraianna Filippo, a fellow teammate on the Ridgebacks varsity dance team is one of Bates' role models.
 
"Doraianna is a superstar. I have known her for about 12 years and she's honestly a great role model. She recently became the student union's vice president of student life. She has always been a great individual who is so motivated. Doraianna is killing it on all sorts of level always."
 
Looking back at her experiences and memories related to dance, she advises everyone to attempt taking up dance classes for minimum once in their lifetime.
 
"Everyone should at least once in their life, step into a dance studio. Take your friends and gain a fun workout. You will find such a great community at the end. It's a win-win deal!"