Stagg dancer Hailey Cates attributes her passion for dance to a lifelong connection with the art form, emphasizing the unique ability of movement to convey emotions that words cannot.
“I’ve been dancing since I was three years old,” said Cates. “Dance to me is speaking without words. I like to express myself through the emotions and the moves — connecting to the music and lyrics in ways you can’t speak.”
According to Cates, she brings four years of varsity experience to the team, offering leadership and consistency in both technique and performance presence. Her maturity on the mat serves as a model for younger dancers striving to balance technical skill with expressive artistry.
Cates also finds inspiration in music selection, personally connecting with the songs she performs. She says her solo piece this season, “Landslide,” reflects themes of growth and life experience, allowing her to translate emotion into movement for a compelling and relatable performance.
Her commitment to dance has influenced not only her own development but also the culture of Stagg Dance. Cates demonstrates passion, focus, and the power of artistic expression to teammates and audiences alike.
