Eisemann dances past stereotypes

Out of the 28 members on Advanced Choreo, junior Alexander Eisemann is the only male on the team. He took P.E. Dance for two years before deciding to try out for one of the choreo teams. Part of the reason he waited for so long is that one of the choreo teams is explicitly called “Girls Choreo.”

“Up until halfway through last year, I didn’t quite know what I was able to try out for, and I’m sure there have been other boys in the same predicament,” Eisemann said. No guy wants to be in a “girls” program.”

The idea of dance teams almost exclusively composed of girls did not deter Eisemann when he was eventually confronted with the decision during tryout week. Upon making the team, his new teammates welcomed him as they would anybody else.

“At the beginning, no one really knew what to think,” sophomore Christina Wainwright said. “But as I saw him as a dancer and as an individual, I was so glad he was with us.”

Eisemann’s dance teacher Kimi Hendrick also supports his decision to expand his opportunities in the dance community.

“At the public school level, I feel that dance is an unpopular choice amongst boys unless the style is hip hop,” Hendrick said. “Alex has a great attitude. We hired a few male choreographers for the show, which I hope is inspiring for him.”

For the most part, the dancers are too busy practicing or performing to discuss the gender difference. However, at times Eisemann wonders if he receives special treatment.

“Sometimes I feel that I am given parts in dances because I’m a male,” Eisemann said. “I am by no means one of the better dancers in Advanced Choreo.”

Eisemann has enjoyed his experience thus far and believes he made the right decision.

“I don’t think caring about what people think should stop you from what you want to do, regardless of what it is, because there will be an equal amount of people cheering you on,” Eisemann said. “Doing what you want and trying things out is way more fun.”