By Daniel Marlow, Jennie Scala

BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA (April 11, 2025)

This year’s Ladies First A cappella group comes to a close as the seniors say goodbye in their spring show at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater in downtown Bloomington. At the same time, the underclassmen look for new members and upcoming songs to play for performances to come.

In their most recent show, they took the stage to loud cheers and applause from the fans in the stands who had flowers and other gifts in hand, prepared to see their loved ones and congratulate them on a job well done.

Seniors Katie Gits, Leah Mani, and Katy Reilly are about to take stage for their last show in their college careers with Indiana University’s ladies only a capella group. They told me they weren’t nervous since they had done this so many times throughout their careers.

Ladies First has been around for 26 years, dating back to the 1990s. They have been performing at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater since then and even made a trip to the 2012 Super Bowl with Madonna and CeeLo Green. “In the past four years, Ladies First has really grown and evolved musically,” said Business Director Leah Mani. “There is so much growth in the technicality of their arrangements, Ladies First has hit their peak right now.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

The growth she mentions is huge for her success in the upcoming release of their newest album: “This new album is different sonically from our previous albums and have grown so much from In Full Bloom.”

An acapella group is more than just about singing; there is so much more that goes into making it work to perfection, like time management, working in a group, and finding out how to blend with each other.

“It has defined our college experience, my friendships, and my roommates, and a sisterhood,” said Leah Mani. This community for Leah and other girls within this group has found their community and lifelong friendships that will last a lifetime.

For Leah Mani, the a capella group was also another way for her to advance her career. As the business director, she learned how to manage money, book venues, and budget to help with her advancements in Indiana University Kelley School of Business and the real world.

 

 

 

For her senior solo, she chose the song “Erase Me” by Lizzy McAlpine and has had this song chosen since her sophomore year when she started thinking about it

Ladies First rehearses 3 times a week, equaling about 10-11 hours of rehearsal time to prepare for their next show. Katie Gits was chosen to be the music director by the last music director instead of being elected so it meant something a little different to her and she couldn’t say no.

Katie and Leah both mentioned how much the group has transformed from their origins in the 1990s, and this year especially, “Their arrangements have gotten harder because of the type of group they are, and they have a member that is in Indiana University Jacobs School of Music who can put the arrangements together.”

Katie tries to partner newer members with older members to create a mentorship within the program and lead them through the breakout rehearsals.

 

 

 

 

Katie Gits joined the group as a quiet person with more of her focus on school and trying to do a much as she could and then realized how much of a future she has within the program and how it can also help her in her career by showing what she can be as a leader.

Katie Gits when talking about the group mentions “Because it’s a small group you automatically become best friends.” She also mentions, “It’s going to be hard to say goodbye to them because we spend so much time and do so many things together, and I’m going to miss the little moments.”

Katie Gits talked about “how she is going to miss the little things they did like their food trips and study sessions because that’s when they had the most fun with no responsibilities to worry about.”

 

Seniors Katie Gits and Leah Mani share their experiences from the last four years of being with Ladies First

More  Than Music

Media Contacts
Jordan Porter
Taylor Gibson
Declan  Mcmahon

BLOOMINGTON, Indiana (Apr. 3, 2025) — Jadon Perkins is a 22 year old senior at Indiana University studying Liberal Arts and Music Performance. Since his early childhood, he has grown a massive love not just for music but actually getting up on stage and performing as well. 

Music has been a massive part of Jadon’s life, stemming from Wes Montgomery.  John Leslie Montgomery, nicknamed “Wes”, was an American jazz guitarist born in the great state of Indiana. He had a very unique way of playing the guitar and performance due to the way he plucked the strings with the side of his thumb as well as the wide range of his singing voice. Unfortunately, Wes passed away in 1968. However, his legacy lives on through performers just like Jadon. Jadon grew up surrounded by music because of people in his life, like his uncle, that shared the joy of music with him. When reflecting on him, Jadon shared that his uncle taught him “that you can live off of music, you don’t have to have a [traditional] job if you don’t want to, it’s possible to live off music.” Having this belief instilled into Jadon at such a young age gave him the confidence and guidance that he needed to follow his dream and choose his true path in life. 

As early as third and fourth grade, Jadon talked about performing at talent shows and in the choir. In choir, he was given solos that motivated him to shine brighter and brighter on stage. These opportunities planted a seed that grew into the love of performance that Jadon continues to nourish today. Jadon tells a story about when he was ten years old and performed at Lucas Oil Stadium for a preseason game played by the Indianapolis Colts against the Green Bay Packers. Jadon recalls the day by saying “it was my first time really on the big stage, so… I was about 10, 11 years old? I was scared because everyone was saying come on up, but I didn’t want to. However, I went up there and sang.” He then talks about how after that one performance, he knew he was hooked. His life’s purpose is to sing for people and share with them intense emotions and unforgettable experiences. Seeing that look and joy in people’s eyes is so rewarding for Jadon but also performing is a way for Jadon to be “his truest form of himself.” Jadon when talking shows his empathetic side as well for performance because nobody knows what people are going through. It is because of this that he wants to give his best performance every time. Jadon is able to to ensure that he is remembered for not only his performance but his message as well. 

On Thursday, March 27, 2025, we attended one of Jadon’s performances as a member of the IU soul revue for the Lincoln Jazz Orchestra. The IU soul revue is the only ensemble that you can receive college credit. This ensemble was built for the purpose of preserving black music. The performance absolutely blew us away, Jordan and the rest of the performers were incredible. They created a very unique and entertaining sound and everyone in the audience was loving it. When we asked Jordan how it feels to perform, he briefly talked about how he almost blacks out and lets the music and performance take over so not even he knows what type of dance moves he will use. He draws from performers like Bruno Mars and talks about how one day he wants to be as big as him. Seeing the joy and overwhelming emotion that Jadon displayed throughout this performance really brings it all together to how music and performance are so much bigger than simply attending an event. It’s about the stories, the passion, the message and so many more special ingredients that go into it. 

Jadon Perkins recounts on the significance of music and performance to him. Luther Allison, a musician that attended the performance, shares his thoughts on hard work as a performer.

Jadon Perkins, the 22 year old student from IU, don’t be surprised if you hear this name again performing at a stadium just like his inspiration Bruno mars, or leaving a massive cultural impact just like Wes Montgomery. One thing is for certain this Indiana native is destined for big things.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Exploring Indiana University Women’s Club Volleyball: Madi Graves and Lally Coleman Share Team Insights

Media Contacts
Olivia Weiss
Jordan Shane
Archie Messinger

BLOOMINGTON, Indiana (March 28, 2025) — Shining through the suffocating heat of the gym is the sound of volleyballs slapping off hands and the overall intensity that resonates in every corner. The sounds dominate the gym as players like Madi Graves and Lally Coleman move through every serve, their focus unwavering. In front of us, the view isn’t just practice—it’s where camaraderie and competition merge into a powerful force.

There was not a single second where you couldn’t hear a volleyball slap off a hand or hit the floor. Not a single moment when the obnoxious yellow of the gym wasn’t screaming in your eyes. Every serve mattered as Madi and Lally demonstrated leadership skills, setting an example for the less experienced players.

The Women’s Club Volleyball team at IU offers a unique balance of competition and social connection. It allows students to compete while maintaining a flexible schedule. The team is perfect for students looking for a rewarding university experience since it lets members create close bonds with only two weekly practices and three tournaments each semester.

That does not mean these athletes aren’t on their A game, however.

Madi Graves, one of the most experienced players, brings a wealth of knowledge to the court.

Madi’s parents played volleyball in high school, and her brothers play at the University of Pepperdine in Malibu. Her journey began in 7th grade when she played recreationally and gradually began toward competitive play in high school and club volleyball. “Volleyball just means a lot to my family; it always has.” She stated.

The practice felt like it ended as quickly as it sprung. The team only had two huddles and spent the whole time running through their maneuvers. Madi’s background in the sport, combined with the unique flexibility of the club team, makes it the perfect fit for her. “If it’s something you want to be a part of, it’s not something that requires complete dedication.” Madi notes. “It’s very lowkey.”

The key to the team’s success is the structure of the association. “When I decided to come to a big school and not pursue a Divison 1 career in athletics I wanted to just maybe tryout for the club volleyball team and just meet a couple new people…” Madi explains. “The number one benefit for me has been the people I’ve met. I met three of my closest friends through this team.”

While Mally’s journey was a smooth offshoot from her history in the sport, Lally Coleman found her own path through unexpected plans.

For Lally Coleman, a sophomore from Chicago, honing her volleyball skills has meant less to her than building the friendships that she has with the team. Initially, Lally was not too interested in trying out. “I was convinced to go try out just a couple of hours before I actually went to the gym, and I hadn’t touched a volleyball in a year,” she smiles. “I thought it would be a fun night of just getting some reps in after not playing for a while, but I ended up making the team—and I’m so grateful for all of the friendships that I made in the past two years.”

The friendships she’s formed have been the highlight of her experience. “It’s been such a great vibe.”

“I think Indiana has put in a great system to support the club teams,” Lally says. “I think we’re in the top 5 of all the club teams, so we get to pick a good early gym time and we get a decent budget.”

Outside of practice, the team hosts events like hotroom yoga and food pantry service, raising awareness for IU’s club sports.

Lally is grateful for the tools and assistance IU offers its club teams. “We compete for allocation points every semester.” The club also takes part in other service activities that promote support and fundraising for its initiatives.

The team is now preparing for the ultimate challenge: nationals in Phoenix, which explains the quick and intense practice session. “I’m so excited to compete at nationals with the team. We’re traveling with the men’s team, too, and we’re hoping to get some wins this year,” says Lally. Though the team didn’t travel to nationals last year, they are ready to face tougher competition and build on their momentum.

For Madi and Lally, the Women’s Club Volleyball team has been more than just an athletic outlet. It is an avenue for one’s passion to be shared amongst friends. As Madi reflects, “Such a unique opportunity that I wouldn’t have a chance to have if I didn’t try out that one day.”

Madi and Lally talk in depth about their experience on the Women’s Club Volleyball Team.

###

Sidelines & Study Guides: How IU Cheerleaders Make It Work

By:
Ava Thompson
Ava Lavigna
Dash Glasberg

BLOOMINGTON, IN (April 3, 2025).

The All-Girl Indiana University Cheerleading team is more than just a high energy presence on the sidelines. They’re dedicated student athletes who balance busy academic schedules with the physical and mental demands of their sport. With intense training, travel commitments, and the pressure to perform at the highest level, these young women demonstrate the discipline, teamwork, and resilience that defines true athletes. Their story shines a light on what it really means to wear an IU uniform,  not just in the stadium, but in the classroom and beyond. The All-Girl team has 36 athletes who have built a legacy of excellence both on and off the mat. They compete at the UCA College Nationals held every January in Orlando, Florida. The team has claimed six national championships; a demonstration to their dedication, skill, and relentless drive to succeed. Each year, they train for months leading up to this competition, proudly representing Indiana University on a national stage and continuing to raise the bar for college cheerleading.

Balancing school and cheerleading is no easy task, but the members of the All-Girl team have learned how to manage it all with discipline. They have practices, workouts, games, and competitions filling their schedules, staying on top of academics takes serious planning. The team practices three times a week, lifts twice a week, and regularly cheers at both football and basketball games,  all while juggling full course loads. And when most students are relaxing during Thanksgiving and winter break, these athletes are training harder than ever, practicing twice a day, every day, to prepare for nationals. Sam, a fifth year on the team, shared her strategy for success: “Do your assignments as soon as you get them. Make a list at the beginning of every week outlining all of your practices and all your work assignments.” Her advice reflects the mindset of the entire squad; staying organized, being proactive, and making sure their responsibilities as students are never overlooked, no matter how busy the season gets.

Despite their demanding schedules, the All-Girl team continues to excel academically, proving that they’re just as committed in the classroom as they are on the mat. The program boasts an impressive average GPA of 3.3, with nine athletes earning a perfect 4.0, a true reflection of their hard work and determination. The team is made up of students pursuing challenging majors, including many in the Kelley School of Business, the School of Nursing, the Media School, and the School of Education. Their ability to balance their academic paths with the physical and time demands of cheerleading showcases the dedication and resilience that defines them not just as athletes, but as outstanding students.

While the All-Girl team finds success both athletically and academically, it doesn’t come without its challenges. One of the biggest struggles for these cheerleaders is time management. Trying to balance classes, practices, workouts, games, and a social life can be overwhelming. Addisyn, an incoming freshman shared her experience: “My biggest struggle is definitely time management. There’s a lot that goes into it to make yourself the best you can be out there for your sport and school.” Learning how to stay ahead of deadlines, prioritize rest, and maintaining a healthy routine is an ongoing process for many cheerleaders, especially as they adjust to the demands of college life and a competitive cheer program. Still, their commitment to both sides of the student athlete experience helps them push through the tough moments and continue to strive for excellence.

Outside of cheer and school, the All-Girl team is like a family, especially for those who are from out of state. With all the time spent together at football and basketball games, traveling for games and competitions, and hanging out outside of practice, they form amazing friendships outside of their sport. The shared experiences and support they offer each other create a sense of community, making IU feel more like home for those far from their families.

As the school year comes to an end, the cheerleaders begin preparing for one of the most important moments of the season, tryouts for next year’s team. Even returning members must earn their spot again, which means putting in extra work. Many attend the IU cheer clinics, go in to stunt outside of practices, and staying involved in the cheer community to maintain a strong presence. It’s all about showing dedication, improvement, and the right attitude to make a lasting impression during tryouts.

https://youtu.be/HfXEJlNnoGk

By: Mary Majeski, Brendan Brown and Jack Reilly

BLOOMINGTON, IN (April. 3, 2025)- There is more to the Indiana Women’s Club Lacrosse team than just winning games or scoring goals on the field. It’s all about the community that these close-knit athletes have created, and the amount of support on and off the field they show each other. The group thrives on a supportive environment where players support one another and celebrate every accomplishment. No matter how small, from team workouts to tournament road trips and making memories they are there for each other. The IU Women’s Club Lacrosse team has created an atmosphere that goes far beyond the game itself through respect, hard work, and a shared passion for lacrosse, which shows how being a part of a team is more than just winning. 

“The lacrosse team has just been an unbelievably welcoming place” says sophomore player Ella Duvdevani. “Since the moment I joined the team, every single girl whether they were trying out or were already on the team wanted to talk to you, wanted to get to know you, and everyone was genuinely interested in your story and about your life.”

For many players the Indiana Women’s Club lacrosse team has been  a second family, an escape from everyday challenges and a high school sport that continues to be loved years later. continuum of the sport they loved playing in high school. No matter what level skills one has, the team welcomes them with open arms. Sophomore player Leena Campagna stated, “I remember being a scared little freshman walking to tryouts from my dorm, and I remember seeing the field and being so intimidated because I saw older girls. Looking back on it now, it was extremely hilarious that I was even scared in the first place because those seniors are nothing short of amazing girls that are always welcoming and caring ever since the first time I stepped foot on the field.”

 

The culture of the team is based on that sense of togetherness. The upperclassmen take pride in bringing  new players under their wing in order to create an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of skill level, has a role on the team .

The Indiana Women’s Club Lacrosse Team harps on  the importance of having fun while still maintaining a competitive edge. Energy-filled practices and tournament road trips turn into great  memories for players on and off the field. Through the relationships created on the team players are finding themselves growing as people. Ella Duvdevani stated “I love all the friendships I have made and just learned a lot more about myself and learned how to manage my time when being on a team because you really need to be there for them, and they also rely on you to show you and show out.” 

“I also learned a lot of resilience and it has taught me a lot about myself personally. Growing up and having them through college as an escape from real life. I can go, play, have fun and have a great time and leave worries behind.”

The team provides many players with an opportunity to escape everyday stress and obligations.  Around their teammates they are able to decompress and concentrate on what they love. Players gain life skills like time management, teamwork, and perseverance in addition to their on-field abilities through the gift of  enjoyment and commitment that this game offers. 

Beyond the game, the team’s bonds provide a solid support network that supports  athletes in overcoming college obstacles.

Leena Campagna touches upon these obstacles more in her interview. She stated “We do not get the best time slot, and this past winter I was practicing until eleven thirty at night and wouldn’t get home until midnight.” The duality of being an athlete in college is truly shown through these girls as their athletics have them balancing their coursework, social wellbeing and personal well being. The team manages to work together despite their hectic schedules, supporting one another on and off the field.

The Indiana Women’s Club Lacrosse team is committed to creating a friendly atmosphere where players may succeed on and off the field as it grows in the next few years. The team demonstrates that lacrosse is more than just a game—it’s a family—through work, perseverance, and camaraderie. Teammates, Ella Duvdevani and Leena Campagna, embody what it means to be more than just athletes, as are the other members of the IU Women’s Club Lacrosse team. They are friends, leaders, and students who help each other through every setback and victory. Their commitment to the game and to one another has created a culture that goes well beyond the lacrosse field. The team’s foundation of inclusivity, resiliency, and unwavering  support is growing along with it, which is evidence of the strength of collaboration and the relationships that result from it.

By Ella Blake, Noah Ablove and Lilianna Castaneda

BLOOMINGTON, IND. (Apr. 3, 2025)— With every leap, IU dancers exude passion that lives on well beyond the stage.

At Indiana University, collegiate dancers are more than their skill set and talent. They are their passion, energy, connection and raw emotion.

Dance is beautiful, but not just an art form. For performers, like Belle Matson, and fellow dancer and choreographer Keilyan Bryant, dance is their identity. Their art is their passion, their means of expression, and their happy place. Through their unique experiences, we’ve opened a door to the world of dance, and have come to know just how much dance has shaped them into the performers, students, and people they are today. Each performer has a different story, and a different journey. Speaking with both Belle and Keilyan has shown us that although each path is different, the reward is always great.

“Take the opportunity, do the opportunity,” said Matson, “because the reward is so high.”

When speaking to Belle, it was surprising to find out that she claimed not to be the best dancer throughout her formative years, and although she was never front and center, she was more than eager to learn. Beginning as a competitive dancer, her transition to her current collegiate style was challenging. Because of her passion for her art, she studied any available material, went to every class possible, and rehearsed religiously to achieve the level of skill she currently possesses. She spoke on the importance of saying yes, and taking every chance that comes your way. Matson is a prime example for those aspiring to dance, or take on any kind of challenge,  emphasizing that hard work propels you farther than natural talent ever could. Seizing the moment is what led to her great success.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moments later, briefly sitting down with Bryant, he revealed why dance is important to him, and what it truly means to go out and perform. He best described his career as big effort, and a big smile to match.

“To me, it’s always like a big smile, and putting your best foot forward,” Bryant revealed.

Being a choreographer, as well as a stage performer requires the ability to see his craft from multiple perspectives, which is not an easy feat. He claimed his motivation to create routines,  is actually what he hears when the performances are done. He makes his fellow dancers feel alive. His reward is the impact he makes on his peers, and having knowledge of his craft, as well as experience, it means the world to him when his pieces create a sense of growth and freedom for his dancers.

These two remarkable individuals make up just one part of the IU dance community, and hearing from Belle once again, it seems community is an understatement. Matson, to wrap, really honed in on her fellow dancers always having each other’s back. The IU dance community is a family.

With each performance, and with every dance, Matson, Bryant, and dancers everywhere will continue to discover, nourish, and express parts of themselves that itch to be unleashed. Collegiate dance is a stepping stone to a successful and fulfilling future for these creative minds. Dance is not only an art, but a lifestyle.

By Elise Sensabaugh, John Doyle and Laila Baluk

BLOOMINGTON, IN (April 3, 2025)

In the basement of a Bloomington home, surrounded by cords, amps and holiday lights, four IU students found something rare: a collective harmony of creative expression. 

It is not just musical harmony, but one formed when four like-minded students came together at the perfect moment. After meeting in a jazz ensemble and house party, New Semantics was born into what they described as a “DIY Indie Band,” formed from a real connection and the need to create an exciting outlet for its members and fans. New Semantics is a refreshing return to authenticity in a musical generation that feels artificial and overproduced. Their sound is pieced together with spontaneous beats and organic flow, fueled by their wish to be unique, unlike other bands. Their music moves and breathes as they try to create music that means something. “I knew a few good guys who wanted to get together,” says Rocco Fugate, the band’s frontman and guitarist. “All the songs come to life here when we all get together, that’s the magic.” 

This band creation came from making something out of nothing, overcoming challenges, and using each person’s skill set to become one. Their first show, held in a makeshift venue in their own rehearsal space and band member’s home, drew a much larger crowd than expected. They had an excellent turnout, and the crowd had a great time overall. Jack Buinicki, a New Semantics base player, said he felt “it went splendid” while smiling ear to ear. Buinicki met Fugate in an all-campus jazz combo at Indiana University and then decided to play alongside him during winter break.  Despite being full-time IU students with hectic schedules, they continue to find time to make the band succeed. Buinicki admits scheduling is challenging, but said “[they] have gotten good at communicating to schedule things, and [they] are pretty on top of those things.” Buinicki’s passion for music started when he was 11 years old while he played viola in his school’s orchestra. He didn’t pick up the base until his senior year of high school and missed the passion of playing with a collective. Now, he and the rest of the New Semantics have found their place, not just in followers or fame but as part of something greater.

New Semantics gets a thrill from creating unique pieces as a team, which makes this band stand out the most as a listener. The band’s name came from a heated conversation about language and meaning between two members. Fugate originally pitched Turpentine Cheese Wheel and Connor’s Secret Girlfriend as their band name. These options served more as inside jokes among the group and didn’t welcome their audience as much as they wanted them to. His friends were on board, but eventually, someone threw out  “Semantics” and it stuck. Because “Semantics” was taken on Spotify, the group decided to throw “New” in front of it, which fields their band’s goal of creating a revived meaning to their style- music, words, and how they connect as a collective. 

Redefining meaning is built into everything this band continues to work towards. Their sound consists of a blend of a Modest Mouse style, a rock band, and classic indie rock. Buinicki admitted that “it’s a little bit of country, too.” They aren’t easily categorized, but that is a part of the point they are making. They’re carving out a space in the music world for something different that doesn’t fit into just one category. 

The collaborative energy they hold is what makes their performances matter. Their debut was only a few weeks ago, and as they continue to build their sound, they will face challenges in navigating and combining everyone’s unique skills and ideas. New Semantics had an unexpectedly exciting first performance and experienced an electric connection between the other two bands, Daytripper and Real Peak. It faded away the struggles of student life and became an essential moment in continuing to build their band. They were able to hold their first gig when they asked around other local bands and found the best place to launch their passion. Fugate has experience playing for another band, and the New Semantic’s lead guitarist Maxwell Woehler offered their practice space and made it happen. 

New Semantics has two more performances on the calendar- April 11th and 25th- as they begin planning their next move for the summer. This band is the kind of brand that is ever-evolving each day. They’re imperfect and unsure but use this to curate the perfect sound and team. New Semantics is redefining it in the world of music that often feels only focused in one direction, making their music worth listening to. They are unknowingly creating a message for artists that it’s freeing to create something imperfect, something entirely new. 

 

https://youtu.be/Yde34lPBAec?si=ZVoBFMXP7qpyZSH

By Elle Schuermann, Jordan Brown and Justin Hecimovich

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (April 3rd, 2025)

 

The music blasts through the speakers and the IU RedSteppers hit every beat with perfect energy and rhythm. Their crimson and cream outfits unite as one as they move in sync, perfecting their routine and electrifying the sold-out Memorial Stadium on a Saturday afternoon. Every turn, jump, and step isn’t just about the physical move itself, but rather the passion behind them.

For two of these dancers, it’s more than just practice. It’s their life.

Roommates and best friends Jenna Handlan and Jenna Fricke have spent a lot of time together dancing side by side, and in their everyday lives. Handlan said, “We literally do everything together nonstop–practice, dinner, lunch–everything we do is together.” Between school, performances, and just trying to survive college, they rely on each other to push through the chaos.

Their room is basically an extension of the studio. Posters of past performances hang on the walls, and their common space often turns into a practice space when needing extra time to perfect a routine. They keep each other motivated, whether it’s for perfecting choreography or getting through another long day of practice, class, and studying.

They also feed off each other’s energy. When one is struggling, the other steps up to bring the hype. Handlan gives examples of the duo lifting the other one up, “All the time, I feel like if on the way to practice if someone doesn’t want to go or someone’s not feeling it that day, we push each other and we’re like you got it, it’s a hard day you’re gonna make it through.” If one feels exhausted after a long day, the other pushes them to keep going. Whether it’s blasting music together before rehearsal and have fun at home or simply giving each other that extra boost of encouragement before a big performance, they always find a way to lift each other up.

It’s not just about accountability, it’s about knowing that someone always has your back. If school and dance stress starts to feel overwhelming, they remind each other why they’re here in the first place. It’s a partnership built on trust, hard work, and the unspoken understanding that they’re stronger together.

Some days are exhausting. They wake up early for class, endure hours of labs and lectures, then rush to practice, where they push their bodies to the limit. The late nights and early mornings add up, and sometimes they’ll wonder how they’ll keep going, but that’s when they can rely on each other. But as tiring as it is, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of stepping onto the field, hearing the sold-out BIG10 crowd roar for you, and knowing all their hard work has paid off.

Being a RedStepper is no joke. Game days mean performing in front of thousands of fans, keeping the energy high, and representing IU with every move. When game day was discussed, Fricke said, “For game days when we have to get up at 3:00 or 4:00 A.M. and I think we just hype each other up too.” Their ability to thrive from the other’s energy in such a rigorous schedule is vital for balance. However, the packed crowd’s excitement, the booming music, the feeling of representing IU, the synchronized steps, it all comes together in a way that makes the exhaustion worth it.

Behind the big performances are the small moments that keep them going. The inside jokes, the water breaks, the support when someone’s struggling with simply a move or balancing everything, the pre-game talks before stepping onto the field. That’s what makes it special.

For Handlan and Fricke, it’s about more than just the dancing. It’s about the people who surround the RedStepper team and make it a family.

Through the long practices, the late-night study sessions, and the pressure to always perform at their best, they’ve learned discipline, teamwork, time management and how to push through challenges when they’re exhausted. These are lessons they’ll carry beyond IU and the RedSteppers. Whether they’re in a hospital room caring for patients or in a classroom teaching students, the dedication and resilience they’ve built as dancers will stick with them.

And when they finally take the field on game day, they’re not just dancing. They’re living the dream, one step at a time.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJklCagvDFU

The inspiring story of how Jenna Handlan and Jenna Fricke, best friends and dance partners, constantly push each other to be their best selves. Through challenges, long rehearsals, and the pressures of college life, they uplift one another both on and off the dance floor.