Sam Bleza, senior
The Munster Dance Team held their breath as they awaited the claim of gold for Senior Solos at State Finals. With a score of 93.20, the gold placing for senior solos as senior captain Sam Bleza wins her second consecutive state title, making Indiana High School Dance Team Association (IHSDTA) history as the first dancer to win two solo titles in a row.
Bleza’s routine to the song “All By Myself” by Celine Dion was entirely self-choreographed. Drawing her inspiration from the music and her self-reflection, Bleza reviews the work that goes into crafting the routine.
“It’s a process,” Bleza said. “Usually, it’s just me standing in the dance room, staring at myself in the mirror and seeing what I can do that perfectly fits. I can’t count the number of days I’ve been in that room just trying to figure out my routine.”
The IHSDTA Solo & Ensemble State Finals marked the official end of the dance season for the team. Bleza, who has been dancing for Munster for her entire experience of high school, is melancholy to let it go just yet.
“It’s honestly really bittersweet,” Bleza said. “It’s been a huge part of my life for four years, and now it’s done. Just like that.”
Senior Bleza is in pursuit of continuing her interest in dance post high school, whether it be on the floor or even choreographing her own routines. Over the course of the last year, she’s participated in “clinics” with other dancers across the state and even the nation.
“For combines or clinics, it’s basically a team that holds an event, and they invite dancers to come to learn. Secretly, they’re scouting girls out all the time. For actual recruitment, you have to submit a video of you talking, introducing yourself, skills, certain routines… Then you have to play the waiting game.”
In reflection of the end of her season as a senior, Bleza honors her biggest female role model in dance: her coach.
“My coach, Elyse [Skalka], is my biggest inspiration. She’s just so determined all the time, and so strong and resilient with everything that she’s going through,” Bleza said. “It just makes me want to be just like her.”
Elyse Skalka, dance coach
Munster’s varsity dance head coach Elyse Skalka has been named Indiana High School Dance Team Association coach of the year. This award recognized Skalka for her exceptional leadership, dedication and impact within the dance community.
“I am constantly learning and trying to educate myself on what I can be doing better as a coach in this industry,” Skalka said. “This season, we had a lot of younger dancers on our team and really taught me more about how I need to nurture their needs differently than my older athletes. Allowing more space to define our team culture and support our goals with mental preparedness is something I will increase in our following years.”
Skalka started coaching in 2010, but returned to Munster in 2019, after moving out of the area, and started coaching here upon her return. This year, the dance team was very young compared to past seasons, and that changed the team dynamic. Athletes have many ways to get better: train, listen to coach advice, observe and much more. For coaches, it’s a bit different.
“I get better as a coach by making sure I am always educated and staying on top of trends and sharing that information with my athletes,” Skalka said. “I make sure to involve myself in groups such as NDCA and the IHSDTA Board of Directors where I can shape Indiana Dance. I am diligent in working with accomplished choreographers and consultants that can offer new perspectives and a fresh set of eyes.”
