As the first-ever male on Grant Community High School’s varsity dance team, Bartek Chrupek breaks stereotypes and sets the spotlight for the future of dance. As an aspiring dancer from the age of seven, his mother introduced him to the art and he has since developed a passion and commitment to it.

His journey has been anything but linear, but one of his primary inspirations is his studio teacher, Miss Christina, who has encouraged him to explore new styles and manage self-discipline. This has created a chain reaction that has led into his practice life, where he acknowledges he will never be the perfect dancer, but that doesn’t affect his mindset. “Allowing myself to grow[,] keep on pushing and pursuing it has been my biggest hardship,” Chrupek says. “And there are definitely times where it’s hard and I’m not motivated to do anything, but I think I overcame my challenges by looking at the positives and being grateful for where I am.”

His effect on the team here at GCHS travels from person to person. A fellow varsity dancer, Alexa Haut says, “Without him on the team, there would be an absence. It’s not really the team without him.” Another varsity dancer, Abbigale Hamner, states, “He’s very energetic[,] outgoing and always willing to help. He’s supportive, but he’s not afraid to give corrections.” His coach, Vicki Shifley, says, “He has an incredibly open attitude and can-do energy that rubs off on everyone around him.” She also states that he was already committed to the team before tryouts, from communicating with the coaches about the necessities for tryouts to working on his tumbling and performance notes over the summer. The team’s strong bond extends beyond practice. Chrupek’s familiarity with many of the dancers prior to joining the team facilitated a smooth integration. The team’s camaraderie and family-like atmosphere make it the perfect fit for his personality.

As Chrupek looks into the future, he plans to continue his dance journey in college, aspiring to join a university dance team. While the path ahead is uncertain, his love for dance remains steadfast. For Chrupek, dance is a passion that will shape his future, whatever it may hold.