Massapequa High School: Former kickline member reflection experience

Massapequa High School, home to the competitive kick line team, where Adriana spent three years training and performing.

By Sabrina Cassarino

Massapequa, N.Y. - March 24, 2025

A former member of the Massapequa high School kickline team, Adriana, has talked about her experience being on the team. There were positive moments, and some tough experiences as well while being on a competitive team. She was a part of the kickline team for three years.

Adriana explained that there were only 21 spots available on the team, which made it a highly competitive process. There were many talented dancers trying out for the team. "I grew up as a competitive dancer, and I loved dance. It was the sport I did throughout my entire childhood. I was a part of the Massapequa High School kick line team for three years," she said. "They only allow you to be a member of the team sophomore, junior, and senior year. You're not able to join it as a freshman."

Adriana was proud to make the team despite the competition. Her kickline coach Dana, gave her guidance while making the team which she appreciated. Coach Dana also owns a dance studio in Massapequa. “I enjoyed that she was a dance teacher just because I was also on a regular dance team outside of the high school. So I was used to that type of training,” Adriana explained. “I appreciated having her as the coach. She definitely had more experience than previous coaches, and I think that really helped grow our team."

However, Adriana was also able to acknowledge the fact that having a coach who is also an owner of a dance studio in the same town could create a perception of favoritism. "I think it could go both ways," she said. "It could benefit not having someone who owns a studio, just because maybe there would be no favoritism, and it would open up opportunities to other girls and make the audition process a little more of an even playing field." But she also saw the benefits of Coach Dana’s experience. “At the same time, I think it’s good to have a coach who owns a dance studio...she does have that rigorous dance training, and I think that really helped us out in our performances as a team.”

Adriana also talked about the difficult part of the selection process. There were a lot of talented young dancers who tried out, and since there were only a few spots available, many girls became disappointed and upset once tryouts were over. “There are so many girls who try out, and when you’re cut, it’s not because you’re not good enough, it’s just that there aren’t enough spots,” she said.

Since Dana had a busy schedule with different responsibilities, she was not always able to make the kickline teams practices. Adriana got into detail how this sometimes had a shift on the team's dynamic. “Coach Dana was sometimes busy with her dance studio, but we still made it work. I even had to step in as captain at times,” she said.

Adriana said that despite some of the challenges she had an amazing experience overall. She said it was rewarding. "I would rate my kick line experience a nine out of 10," she said. "I absolutely loved being on the team. All throughout high school, I made so many friends. I loved being friends with the older girls. It also helped in my overall dance training—while other people at my personal studio were practicing, let's say, four times a week, I was practicing maybe six times a week with another coach from another perspective.”

Adriana found great joy performing at halftime during football games, and basketball games. She said there were some social sacrifices while doing this, that took time away from her friends. "The only reason why it’s not a 10 out of 10 is because, you know, there were times where I might have been upset because I missed out on that party or that sleepover, or being in the student section at all the football games, which Massapequa is, like, so highly known for having a great student section," Adriana explained. "I never really was able to experience that, but it’s okay, because I was on the field.”

Overall, despite the challenges, Adriana’s time on the team was a positive and memorable part of her high school experience. "It was really fun. You know, I loved being involved for the halftime performances. And, yeah, I just really enjoyed being on a team."