“He is the poster child of what we want for Collective, he is so good at it.” – Dejan Tubic
Dejan was the first DanceMakers faculty to notice Lucas. And he continued to notice him, year after year, calling him out, having him on stage and sponsoring his nomination to Collective. Relationships define life and work and this year as a member of Season XI of Collective Lucas had the opportunity to experience his extracurricular activity of dance in the real working world. He learned how to run backstage, the logistics of staging, coordinating dancers and supporting awards, assisting faculty ranging in styles and familiarity, learning their preferences on running the music and teaching, and being on all the time whether he was backstage, on stage, or in the elevator. He knew dancers of all ages were watching him because he had done the same. Collective from seasons past had hyped him, inspired him and been a role model. From the nervous youngest to the talented oldest, he offered support, laughed with them and celebrated for them. Every weekend he was deepening his relationships with the faculty and staff and building new ones with every dancer and studio owner he interacted with. And every weekend, in cities around the country, hearing the cheers from the crowd when he was introduced, his impact was felt. “We feel so lucky to have him with us this year.” – Felicia Taylor, VP/CFO DanceMakers

This year Nationals attendance was optional so only a portion of our studio dancers were attending, which required the studio to make changes to routines we wanted to compete at Nationals. While I was sad to not have our whole studio there, this created an opportunity for Oliver, who is on our Competition track, to step up to the next level and fill in a spot. I loved seeing him take the big stage at Nationals and to have one event where all three of my kids competed.

No One Knows Me choreographed by Erica Sobol was a senior group routine. With not all our senior dancers attending, Penny was asked to step in for the piece. Penny competed in three of Lucas’ routines and it was so special to see them take the stage together. No One Knows Me was definitely the most special so I was happy when it was selected for the Dance Again showcase, where the best routines compete for the top performance prize, and I got to see them dance together one last time.

Each Collective member has a giving key to give away to any dancer throughout the season that they want to uplift and recognize. Lucas waited all season to find the right dancer and that dancer was Oliver at Nationals.
A moment of gratitude for the Collective from Brad Taylor, CEO of DanceMakers. And the welcome and celebration of the next Season’s Collective.

Nationals was a week and the culmination of a year’s journey of growth and discovery for Lucas. Last June when he was selected for Collective Season XI his sense of relief was overwhelming because he felt validated as a dancer. As the year progressed he learned more about the dance industry, he grew as a dancer and gained confidence in his dance ability and he shifted from wanting to study business to deciding to pursue dance. As he begins his next chapter he will experience doubt, imposter syndrome and his confidence will be tested; feelings that must be experienced to grow. And in those uncomfortable times I know he will reflect on this incredible year and find resilience from his accomplishments and find strength from the lasting relationships he built. “He is one of a kind, one of one. But you know that. Thank you for sharing him with us.” – Erica Sobol