For many students at San Luis Obispo High School, dancing is a major part of their lives. Most dancers spend countless hours at their studio, even after an exhausting, seven-hour day at school. Although dancers must remain in tip-top physical condition and partake in extensive training most days of the week, dance is not considered a sport and is not offered here at SLOHS.

“I definitely think that dancers would participate in a program if SLOHS offered one,” said freshman Sydney Anselmo.

While most sports at SLOHS usually have at least a two-hour practice every day of the school week, dancers often spend up to four hours at their studio, daily. Dancers must have strength, flexibility, and technique, not to mention the numerous hours spent memorizing routines for performances. When asked how many hours a day she spends at her dance studio, Anselmo said “About an average of three hours a day.”

Athletes participating in SLOHS sports get the physical education credits required to graduate. However, dancers don’t have this luxury and are forced to take PE, even though they’re getting just as much, if not more exercise than other athletes. “I definitely consider dance a sport!,” said Anselmo.

“People don’t realize how much energy and strength dancers need. We compete and perform, just as other sports would do, dancers just make it look pretty,” Anselmo added. 

Dancing requires a lot of commitment and dedication; most dancers spend several hours a day at their studio. And even though they must remain in peak physical condition, dance is not considered a “sport” and SLOHS continues to lack a dance program. If a dance program were offered at SLOHS, there would most likely be a large number of participants.