Alexis Johnson has been dancing all of her life. Johnson is co-captain of the dance team. She has been taking dance lessons since she was 12 years old, which is rather late in the dance world. She has trained in ballet, hip hop, pointe and jazz.
“I’ve always been dancing. This is what I was born to do. I was born from a boombox,” Johnson, a junior black studies major, said.
Johnson was unsure about choosing Cabrini at first but immediately fell in love with the dance team.
“When I found out about their dance team, I totally stalked them like nobody’s business,” Johnson said. She studied every video until she figured out their style and felt she could nail her tryout.
Johnson is an active member of the Black Student Union on campus and works in the Alumni office. From her time on the dance team, she has been given the opportunity to dance at many different places.
“I’ve had the opportunity to perform at the Phillies games and the Sixers halftime show,” Johnson said.
Johnson was influenced by her first ballet teacher.
“My ballet teacher pulled me aside and told me that I was an amazing dancer in pointe, “Johnson said. “She taught me to push myself to be the best and never compare myself to anyone else on the floor.”
Devastatingly, Johnson’s mentor passed away from breast cancer.
“It was hard for me to accept,” Johnson said.
Johnson loves being a part of the dance team.
“My favorite part of being on this team is the love we share for one another and being a family,” Johnson said. “I black out every time I perform because you get a rush of the music and then let go.”
She loves all styles of dance, but there a few that stand out from the rest.
“The styles of dance that I love are pointe, ballet and hip-hop,” Johnson said. “They are my favorites because you get a chance to express emotions through your body with the beats or an instrument.”
Marlena Prisco, Johnson’s co-captain, loves to work with her on the team.
“Together we organize our events and competitions, and game time performances with the help of our adviser. She allows us to lead practices and choreograph dances,” Prisco said.
Her teammates described Johnson as loyal, energetic and positive.
“Alexis shows tenacity and demonstrates confidence,” Kalia Wilki, a freshman biology and pre-dental major, said. “She adds spunk and enthusiasm to the team.”
The position of team captain is awarded to someone with amazing leadership skills.
“Alexis is a good leader because she is well prepared and organized,” Jamie Wurttemberg, a sophomore education major, said. “She shows optimism when times get tough.”
Johnson has the consistency to keep the team together.
“Alexis showcases determination and reliability to help others,” Nadya Gibson, a freshman marketing major, said. “Along with positivity constantly.”
