This summer, Kinkaid’s dance company stepped off the stage and into an adventure aimed to strengthen their connection as a team.

The dancers spent four days in Chicago learning their full company piece called “The Debate” with a guest choreographer named Eddy Ocampo. 

“He set the piece for us while we were at Ballet Chicago,” said new DCO member, freshman Diane Leykum.

In addition to Ocampo’s work, the dancers also took a jazz class at Gus Giordano’s dance studio and a hip hop class at Visceral Dance Center.

For many of the dancers, it was their first time training in professional studios outside of Houston, making the experience even more meaningful.

“The trip was a great experience to bond with our company because it was before school started and we did a lot of activities outside of dancing,” Leykum said.

The company bonded over unforgettable experiences such as seeing the bean, watching a Broadway show, and going on a firework cruise along the river.

The trip gave students the opportunity to learn about each other outside of the classroom and performance space.

“Dancing is all about moving as one, and that’s hard if you don’t know or trust the people around you,” said freshman India Pye. “This trip helped us grow closer, and now we feel like a family.”

The company not only shared laughs and memories but also practiced and learned important skills such as cooperation, communication and leadership. The dancers built each other up and encouraged one another while finding joy in simply being together.

“Our DCO trip to Chicago was so much fun and brought us so much closer as a company,” said sophomore Sari Roseman.

As the new season approaches, the dancers are motivated to bring their strong and newly strengthened team to the stage. Their experience over the summer proved that although practice and techniques are crucial, the true heart of dancing is found in the bonds made within the company.