From Vision to Victory: The Birth of LEAD Southeast High School’s First Dance Team
When Brandon Corlew stepped onto the campus of LEAD Southeast High School, he brought with him not just his experience as a former dance coach, but a vision of what could be. Today, that vision has transformed into a vibrant dance team that’s making its mark on the school’s culture.
(Left to Right: Jackline Nzainambaho (10th grade), Gabrielle Reynolds (10th grade), Kimberly Perez (9th grade), and Brunelle Matondo (10th grade).
A Leap of Faith
“Initially I wasn’t sure if a dance team would work at Southeast High,” Corlew admits. Having previously coached the dancers at LEAD Brick Church Middle School for two years, he wondered if the high school environment would respond differently to his approach. “That was middle school, where kids are lively and excited and laugh at corny jokes – I wasn’t sure how that would work in the high school world.”
But the seed was planted. As Corlew settled into the Southeast community, he kept the idea alive, waiting for the right moment and, most importantly, the right students who would be willing to put in the work.
Building from the Ground Up
When Corlew finally decided to move forward, the response wasn’t immediately overwhelming. “Since I am still fairly new to the Southeast community, I don’t know if students trusted me,” he reflects. Setting up a sign-up table during lunch hours, he watched as the slots on the form remained empty at first.
“I was definitely sweating while staring at those blank slots!” he shared. But slowly, interested students began to approach. One girl in particular expressed excitement while asking for more information – a small victory that bolstered his confidence.
Corlew wasn’t deterred by the initial hesitation. “I wasn’t too focused on what everyone else thought – the dancers are who I wanted to keep my attention on. That’s how any good idea comes into fruition – do it because you want to.”
Finding the Right Team
In recruiting dancers, Corlew looked beyond just technical skill. “I wanted dancers who were committed, creative, and willing to put in the work,” he explains. The face-to-face sign-up process allowed him to pinpoint those who were serious about learning dance.
That discernment paid off. The team quickly began to form its identity, bringing together students with genuine passion for dance.
Making Their Mark
It didn’t take long for the dance team to showcase their talent. “They performed at our Black History Month celebration and let’s just say they left their mark on that dance floor,” Corlew noted. That performance served as a coming-out party of sorts, announcing to the LEAD Southeast community that something special was happening.
While the team is still establishing itself, they’re already expanding their horizons. They recently participated in the MENA (Middle Eastern and North African) month celebration on campus, so they were able to be exposed to different cultural dances. This exploration adds another dimension to the team’s growth and impact.
With confidence, he predicted, “Soon, they’ll be requested for all dances here at Southeast!”
Building Community Through Dance
For Corlew, the dance team represents much more than just performances. It’s about creating a space where students can express themselves, build confidence, and contribute to the school’s culture. The dancers are “confident and eager to learn,” embodying the spirit he hoped to foster.
When asked what makes the LEAD Public Schools network special to him, Corlew’s answer reveals the perfect alignment between his values and the school’s mission: “The community is what makes me love LEAD so much. It’s a special place to be because everyone matters and everyone plays a part in making this place the best place to learn and grow.”
Words of Wisdom
To other educators considering starting similar programs, Corlew offers straightforward advice: “Don’t give up on wanting to make it happen! Let your passion lead you and others should recognize that. Act and move with intention.”
It’s this intentionality that has guided the dance team from concept to reality. Though still in its early stages, the LEAD Southeast High School dance team stands as testimony to what can happen when dedicated educators create spaces for students to shine.
As the team continues to grow and evolve, one thing is certain: they’re just getting started. And if their Black History Month performance is any indication, the LEAD Southeast community has much to look forward to from this pioneering group of dancers and their passionate coach.
Check out one of the LEAD Southeast High Dance Team’s performances below!
