Livia Isaksson is a co-captain of FHS Featherettes, a dance team made up of eight dancers. Each year, nearly 20 students try out, but only a few earn a spot. Livia stands out not just for her dance skills but also for her leadership and inclusiveness, which make her a role model for her teammates.
From a young age, Isaksson has loved dancing. She has experience in different dance styles such as contemporary, hip-hop, poms and jazz. She found jazz to be her favorite. When she began high school, she was thrilled to join the Featherettes.
“I wanted to join the Featherettes team because I wanted to experience something new and fun while using my dance skills from before,” Isaksson said. “Featherettes has definitely helped me improve my dance skills in so many ways. I am more flexible with more strength, and I can do more than three pirouette turns”
Now in her second year on the team, Isaksson continues to work hard to bring positivity to her team. She makes sure her teammates are comfortable and confident.
“I always make sure to ask [my teammates] if they have any questions about our dances so we’re all on the same page,” Isaksson said. “I also like helping plan team bonding days so that we would all be more comfortable with each other and included.”
Livia’s dedication and leadership have not gone unnoticed by those around her.
“Livia is very organized and dedicated,” Featherettes coach Alex Apolinar said. “She has a strong knowledge of past dances and skills. She is approachable and a good leader.”
Even with her dedication, Livia has faced challenges along the way. Last year, just before the Featherettes’ annual homecoming halftime show dance, “Georgia Porcupine,” she pulled her hamstring. This was especially difficult because the dance ends with all performers holding their splits for two eight-counts, about 16 seconds.
“I had to cope through the pain because this dance is what Featherettes [are] known for,” Isaksson said. “It’s been performed every year for the past 50 years, so it was important to me.”
Her determination to perform through pain, shows her dedication to the team. She also enjoys being part of it. In addition, she even said her favorite part of being on the team is team bonding days.
“I really like team bonding,” Isaksson said. “During practice, we have to be focused and on task, so we don’t really have time to talk with each other. Those team bonding days are a really good idea.”
Once a month, the Featherettes plan a hangout together, giving them time to relax and connect outside of practice. For instance, in October, they went to an escape room at Valleyfair Mall.
Apolinar also reflected on Livia’s growth since her freshman year. She has watched her become more skilled in dancing and confident than before.
“When Livia first joined the team, she was shy and unsure of herself,” Apolinar said. “However, as time went by and with the help of her teammates, she has become a better dancer, leader, and teammate as well.”
Looking back, Livia believes her growth came from gaining confidence and trusting herself. She gave advice to anyone considering trying out for the Featherettes next year.
“Be confident — that’s the key,” Isaksson said. “Just put yourself out there and be yourself.”
