Demonstrating confidence, skill and talent on stage, BVH junior and Get to The Pointe (GTP) Dance Team member, Luka Ayon, has gained recognition over the past few months. Ayon has led the inspiration for young males to step outside of their comfort zones and do something they love, despite what others may say. He is recognized by his teacher and dance mates as he is a prime role model, as well as a prominent figure and staple on the team. Ayon shares his thoughts on being one of the few males in his field.
“First semester was challenging since I was the only one enrolled in dance class in general. There were a few guys in there too, but we were not close [at the time]. With the public eye, performing in assemblies and everything, [performing] was fun because it gave me a confidence boost, and it gave me some sort of spotlight,” Ayon said.
Having that exposure and recognition represented a challenge for Ayon. With the extreme minority of males on the team, he was prone to standing out to the audience. BVH GTP Dance teacher Christine Timmons shares her thoughts on what it is like to have Ayon on the team, highlighting the positive impact he has made with his dedication, skill, and inspiring presence.
“He is a great addition to the team. He brings positive energy and he is funny but he also [makes sure to] work hard. He is a great performer. He is very encouraging and pretty reliable as far as being a performer,” Timmons said.
Timmons emphasizes the impact that Ayon has on the team. His presence on stage and off the stage is admirable. She appreciates him as a performer and his work ethic. Ayon expresses his passion as he strives on stage. Sophomore and officer on GTP, Soleil Ekstein, shares how she feels about having Ayon on the team, emphasizing the value he brings through his dedication, talent, and ability to inspire others.
“I believe Luka being on the dance team is very unique. It is definitely a risk already getting on stage and performing in front of everyone and your classmates but when you are a male on a dance team, I feel like you take that one extra step out of your comfort zone. Regardless of whether he is a guy on the dance team, he has become one of the staples of most of our dances and it is nice to hear the crowd scream for him during our dances,” Ekstein said.
Having Ayon on the team is truly unique and special. He is a valuable asset, always pushing himself to go the extra mile. Ayon thrives in the spotlight, creating captivating moments that engage and excite the audience. Ekstein mentions the struggles that Ayon might have gone through as he goes through the exposure of being on stage.
“He has definitely had some ups and downs regarding things people have said to him because of his position on the team but he has learned to keep strong and keep getting up on that stage and performing for the crowd,” Ekstein said.
Ekstein explains the pressure that one might have of having that extra spotlight. She emphasizes Ayon’s passion for dance and gaining that recognition from the crowd. Having that additional attention on himself, Ayon takes that extra risk of surpassing the traditional expectations of society. Ayon acknowledges the bond that he and his team have with each other as well as Timmons, who asserts her support by creating an uplifting and welcoming environment for the young men and women.
“With our teacher, Timmons, the bond is beautiful. I would say we are really close. Everyone really respects her and sees her as a role model. We also like to keep her really close if we have any questions and stuff like that. Overall, the team is bonded. We like to do one or two bondings a month so we can have those outside connections and friendships. It impacts our performances as well,” Ayon said.
Timmons has done a great job at keeping the team connected. Having that close bond with his teammates as well as his teacher is just as important as it affects the outcome of their performances as well. Keeping that tight relationship with them emphasizes the togetherness of the team and how that connects to their dancing. Ekstein states how Ayon is a role model for other students.
“Dancing with Luka is definitely a roller coaster ride. It is like the energy never stops. Because he is male, he has become one of the biggest assets to the team and has shown people to pursue what you love regardless of social standards. Even though we are a zero period class, we are a team. We are a team just as much as any sports team at the school is. We feel the losses, feel the emotions, and most of all we feel the wins. We all love getting on that stage and doing what we love and it is nice to feel supported in an area where we all value one thing, dance,” Ekstein said.
Ekstein highlights the energy that Ayon brings to the team. He is a prime example of demonstrating passion and committing to that, regardless of what anyone might say. Being on the team, they are united. They go through the same experiences, good and bad, but together as one. Performing on stage is an art that Ayon demonstrates along with his teammates. He aspires to be the role model for other males despite the societal standards.
“I am here mainly to inspire a lot of guys that want to come out of their shell and love to dance because I know there are some guys here at school that like to dance but do not have the opportunity to [do so], so I see that as my role,” Ayon said.
