Abby Greene of Kirkwood High School
Make no mistake, Abby Greene is not someone to stay on the sidelines. As the captain of the Kirkwood High dance team, she not only cheers on the school’s football and basketball teams, but also leads her own teammates to victory at competitions—including first place finishes in her solos. T&S caught up with the senior to learn more about her motivation and what she’s looking forward to in her final year.
Where did your interest in dance come from?
I actually started later than most. I took dance classes when I was around 2 or 3, but my mom realized it wasn’t for me at the time. She then tried every sport a parent could think to put their child in, but none of them were the right fit. Around fifth grade, I started watching Dance Moms, and I loved seeing the dance routines and the way the girls moved. I started trying to learn dances and looking up tutorials on YouTube. Because of that interest, I started at a dance studio, and then freshman year, I tried out for the Kirkwood Pommies and made it.
What is your favorite thing about performing?
Whether it’s a competition or a game, I love the energy and rush that performing gives you. It’s something that’s hard to describe. It’s a little nerve wracking, but nothing beats the feeling of coming off the floor when you’ve done a routine well. Getting to share it with the rest of the team makes it just that much more fun. It’s a common misconception that dance teams just stand on the sidelines to cheer at football or basketball games, but our season is longer than other high school sports. So much conditioning and practice goes into routines—there’s a whole other side that people don’t see.
Why did you decide to take on the responsibility of being captain?
I love everything about Pommies and what we work so hard for. I’ve always enjoyed being a leader—I’m also editor in chief of the school yearbook. I like being able to help other people get to where they need to go. This team has the most potential I’ve ever seen, and I hope that I can help push us to success. Our goal is to make it to nationals in Orlando this year.
What are you looking forward to during your senior year?
Just the little things that you get to do. I just want to spend time with my fellow seniors. Dancing in college is a big goal of mine, so I’m looking forward to tryouts. Leaving the Pommies is going to be bittersweet. I hope to have one last ride and make this the best year I’ve ever had.
Do you have any hobbies
Dancing takes up a big chunk of my time. Unlike most high school sports, my club season doesn’t end when my school season begins. It can be hard to have other hobbies, but I have an interest in photography and journalism. I also enjoy helping teach the little kids of my dance studio. I’m dancing all the time!