The rhythmic scuff of shoes on the Westwood dance studio floor and the pulse of music echoing from the speakers are all familiar routines to SunDancer Line Officer Polly Nickens ‘25. For Nickens, this space is not only a practice room but a second home. Behind the sharp turns and perfect formations is someone who has poured her all into her role.

“I have always been in dance since I was little. I did competition dance as a kid and then I did ballet as well, so dance has always been an extremely important part of my life,” Nickens said. “At that time, my sister’s best friend, Josie Herrin, who was the SunDancer Major, encouraged me to try out for Sundancers, saying that [I] was going to love it. And after meeting the directors, I knew I [wanted to] be a part of this and that’s why I tried out.”

Nickens’s decision to dive into Westwood’s dance team was largely inspired by the people she had around her like former SunDancer director Jessica Steedley, who was known for unconventional yet effective teaching.

“What piqued my interest to join the SunDancers was Ms. Steedley, who taught my Jazz 34 class at Westwood,” Nickens said. “She always made me want to work really hard. She is still one of my biggest role models to this day and I knew I would enjoy being in the program, knowing that she was going to be the one teaching and directing me.”

The magic of the SunDancer community, like many other tight-knit groups, shines the brightest during competitions and events. It’s in shared moments and the thrill of celebrating a nailed routine that strengthens friendships, but more than that, are the small moments when SunDancers can see their love for the team.

“I love everything about being a SunDancer,” Nickens said. “I love that I get to spend so much time with my best friends. I love football games, I love competition season, and I love [the] spring show. I just love the little memories we make in between all of that. I love the early morning practices. I love staying late at night at games and getting home at 12 o’clock. I just enjoy every moment of it.”

The magic behind the team’s special bond is also in the way traditions are carried out, and to Nickens, these rituals are a rhythm of belonging, connection, and leadership.

“[One of these traditions] happens when you are a junior going into your senior year. Current seniors of that year, during Escapade, pass on a saying or movement,” Nickens said. “For example, my pass down was a slow clap. During practice sometimes, I randomly shout out, ‘I think we need a slow clap,’ and then everyone follows suit.”

Stepping into a leadership position was more than wanting an important role to Nickens. Her focus was on giving back to the team that had shaped her, a desire that stemmed from her passion for leading others through hardships and helping every dancer feel seen and encouraged.

“I’ve always considered myself a leader. I love taking charge of a group and to be the one to help initiate and get things done, but this organization has blessed me in so many ways,” Nickens said. “This program has changed me as a dancer, friend, and as a person in general, [and] I wanted to be a part of that legacy to help younger SunDancers grow.”

“I also had some incredible leaders to show me how fun it could be to be an officer and I wished to help other people feel the love for the SunDancers that I feel,” Nickens said. “As a leader, I have so many chances to bring joy to the SunDancers’ days. Every day, I get to walk into practice and I get to help people feel like they’re reaching their highest potential.”

Nickens’s daily routine is one of dedication and passion. Throughout the day, reflected in how she continually and consistently narrows down on specific things she wishes to accomplish.

“My day-to-day life looks like working on choreography the night before practice and cleaning up my technique so that when I come in the next day, I’m prepared to teach people,” Nickens said. “On the days I am cleaning, I’ll stand in front of the room and make sure that we squash mistakes so that we can be prepared for whatever [event or competition] we are participating in.”

However, Nickens doesn’t just lead on the floor – she spends time writing notes, strategizing, and organizing her goals. She works tirelessly behind the scenes, pouring her time and energy into perfecting her dancing and thoughtfully planning what she hopes to bring into practice. Her leading is in the small details and that is where her passion shows.

“I have so many notes and documents on my phone just full of cleaning, tips, and things that I want to share with the team at the next rehearsal because practice time is so limited,” Nickens said. “I use a lot of my free time outside of school to make sure that I’m prepared and the team is prepared,”

Nickens’s impactful leadership alongside the dedication of other Line Officers Senior Lieutenant Aubrey Phu ‘25, Senior Lieutenant Ella Popps ’25 , and Junior Lieutenant Elliot Richard ‘26 – have turned up results. But beyond the polished performances is the bond between the officers and the pride from knowing that they have uplifted their team.

“I always say that our line has never been stronger because we work so well together and it’s been wonderful getting to work with the other officers,” Nickens said. “They’re just the most incredible officer line and we get things done so efficiently.”

As Nickens has grown into her leadership position she has learned that real leadership is rooted in empathy, the ability of inspiring others, and sacrifices.

“What I have learned from being a SunDancer is that it showed me how to be a serving leader. I think that many people see being an officer as being above other people, but I believe that in a way, I am underneath everyone else,” Nickens said. “I’m [constantly] building other people up and helping them grow to their full potential. It’s taught me awareness of what other people need.”

Nickens acknowledges that a team’s strength lies in its members, and her role as Major extends past leading and being a reliable, positive figure.

“My team members could be doing anything else with their morning like sleeping in or eating a nice breakfast, but they’re at practice and so I want what we do to be absolutely worth it, so I make sure that I come in with a smiling face,” Nickens said.

As the year comes to a stop, Nickens has the chance to reflect on the lasting impact she has left on the SunDancer community. As she graduates, her focus on creating an environment where dancers feel inspired to find their voice will inspire the future leaders who have seen her contribute to her teammates.

“I know the importance of a strong community. [The SunDancers] are my family. We do everything together,” Nickens said. “These are my best friends and I know that some of them will be my bridesmaids. I am so blessed that I got to experience [being a part of the SunDancers]. There’s nothing like it at all in the world.”