Maggie Baldus has been dancing on the Xavier High School Dance Team for four years, and she is the only senior on the team this year. Baldus’ passion for dancing began when she was three and decided to follow in her sister’s footsteps. Since then, she has been dancing for 15 years. Baldus joined the Xavier Dance Team because she wanted to try something new other than dancing at her studio, Prestige Dance Studio, while also meeting new people she would be going to school with. 

          “My first year everyone was so welcoming and I made many best friends that I still talk to even though they graduated. This made me want to be a leader to other underclassmen like they were to me and take them under my wing to create new bonds,” Baldus said. “Some days it’s challenging to be the leader, but my teammates are always by my side to step in and help whenever I am struggling.” 

          Baldus has been the only dancer from her class on the dance team all four years. This year she realized that she would need to be a team leader to help the rest of the team grow so they are ready to be leaders when the time comes. Baldus’ leadership does not go unnoticed by her teammates.

          “She is an amazing leader and role model. She is so energetic and always keeps the energy very positive and upbeat. Maggie has helped the team by being a leader and always a person I can count on,” Xavier Junior and member of the dance team Emma Barthelme said.

          Baldus’ biggest role as a senior on the dance team is being a motivational captain. Baldus tries to push all her teammates to do their best so that they can achieve their goals. 

          “Maggie has been an amazing role model and has always been positive. She is never worried about pushing people to be their best. Her leadership, especially being the only senior, has been great for the team this year and we are going to miss her next year,” Xavier Junior and member of the dance team Maegan Reninga said.

          Baldus said that it is super special dancing with the rest of the team and making memories. Her favorite memories of being on the dance team are going to nationals because it brings everyone closer together. While Baldus has been on the dance team, they have won two state championships, have been named grand champions at regionals and have placed in the top five at nationals. The Xavier Dance Team will be performing in Des Moines on November 7 for regionals and will also be in Des Moines at the Wells Fargo Arena on November 19 for state, where Baldus is hoping to win their third state title. This will be Baldus’ last year dancing, but she plans on coming back next year to visit and help the Xavier Dance Team.