Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed an unfamiliar girl in a blue shirt. I gave her a small friendly smile, and we invited her to sit with us. Little did I know she was a new girl who made the West Ottawa Varsity Dance team. We invited her over to where we were sitting and introduced ourselves. It came to my surprise when she said her name, with a strong French accent.
Hortense Margez was always curious about America, so when given the opportunity she participated in the foreign exchange student program. Hortense Margez recently became an exchange student from France and was excited to see what things were like in America. However, when her first day of dance practice came, a rush of nerves took over Hortense’s body. “I think it’s normal that I’m a little nervous. I am an exchange student so my English for the beginning of the year in any case is not very good. So sometimes I don’t understand the instructions or the movements to do so I can be a little lost.”
The exchange student was surprised by how much America values their sports. Dancing for one hour was her normal while her new schedule requires two hours of dancing combined with strength training twice a week. Having programs such as Strength Training were not common in France. Varsity practices can be draining for any sport, but Hortense decided to push through and continue her first few practices with the Varsity Dance Team. “At first I found it a bit tiring to have to dance a lot of times, but in the end I think it’s a good thing because after a long day of classes I like to move around and I really like having this shot.”
Hortense started dancing classical ballet at Residence Le Domaine when she was only five. She quit because the classes were too slow. Her parents then decided to put Hortense in gymnastics and a new dance studio. She grew up dancing modern jazz, and slowly the style became her favorite. Hortense can be seen dancing everywhere, in her home when no one is watching or on the actual dance floor.”I really like this activity because it also allows you to express your own style. For example when the teacher in France asks us for our ideas or to create our own dances.”
Many of the girls on the West Ottawa Dance team were intrigued about Hortense’s upbringing in dance and wanted to see her talents. ” I’m excited to see Hortense come to competitions with us and step out of her shell. She will definitely be a major asset to our Varsity squad!” Sr. Jenna Heck said.
Margez’s creativity can be seen as she does her improvisation in combos set by former West Ottawa student Avery Post. Hortense will add something unique to the choreography to make it her own. Sr. Emerson Howard said, “Hortense builds up the courage to add something new to our team and doesn’t try to fit into America’s standards but mixes both cultures together.”
Experiencing another culture can lead to feeling homesick. Whenever Hortense is missing her hometown dance still brings her peace in America. “For the dance team I am ready to give my best and I will try to participate in the good atmosphere. The challenge for me this year is going to be to participate and do movements correctly despite my English.” Nobody is perfect, and challenges will come up along the way. Having a language barrier can create an even bigger issue.
Soph. Michele Baum said, “She’s the energizer bunny of our team. She can brighten our day and our spirits. We can always rely on each other no matter what.” Hortense not only thrives in the strength training room but also bonding with the team. “Back home the girls are not as close, here I know everyone and I can laugh and have a good time in America.” Taking time during practice to play ice breakers can establish trust with each other and a bond in the dance room.
Hortense may be out of breath after practice but she has the persistence to perfect the choreography she is given. Her cartwheels are a second nature to her and her turns land gracefully. When Margez is confident she performs with a smile on her face and a sense of determination in her eyes.
Margez is fully immersed in the American experience by going to football games, homecoming and soon performing at basketball games. The pressure is on for Hortense Margez, but her new ideas will bring a wave of inspiration for the dance team.
Still being able to dance makes coming to America less scary for Hortense. She has found comfort in Jazz technique taught in America. She also is excited to bring back moves she learned in America back to her dance studio in France. Hortense Margez has a bright future on the West Ottawa Varsity Dance Team.
