I recently had the privilege of speaking with Maureen Maguire, the director of the Seminole High School Dazzler Dance Team in Sanford, Florida. Ms. Maguire was a graduate of Seminole High School herself. She returned to Seminole High as a teacher in 1983 and formed the Dazzlers in 1984. Since that time, two of her daughters, Shannon and Megan, joined her as assistants. All three of them had extensive dance experience before joining the Dazzlers.
The Dazzlers is an nationally ranked championship high school dance team consisting of 98 dancers. They are seven-time National Champions and have been the Florida State Champs for a number of years. The Maquires have led the Dazzlers to over 25 state and national championship titles/ Ms. Maquire believes the most important influence on the girls is that they learn about hard work, discipline and the importance of team work. Additionally, they “learn the value of contributing to something greater than themselves.” Being a Dazzler takes a commitment by the student to prioritize their lives and balance academics, family and team at varying levels.
Ms. Maureen Maguire credits the success of the Dazzlers to good administration and the fact that everyone works very hard. She motivates the girls by telling them “to not be afraid of corrections.” She assures them that the instructors correct them because they see potential in the dancers and the corrections help them become even better dancers. Ms. Maguire feels the biggest mistake dancers make is expecting it (being a member of the team) to be easy. It actually takes a lot of hard work. Ms. Maguire believes that the girls need goals so they are not a “HAMSTER IN A WHEEL”. Spinning around with no were to go.
One of her proudest moments is after one of the girls broke her toe just before a competition, the girls come together and re-choreograph and learn their routine just before the performance. This teamwork is what has been instilled in these girls to not only make them better dancers, but to make them better people. Being a Dazzler is a huge obligation. The Dazzlers practice up to 12 hours a week, perform at weekly football games, travel to state competitions and, if finances allow, travel to national competitions each year. Ms. Maguire’s goal for this year is for the team to grow as individuals and as team dancers. Ms. Maquire’s opinion of what makes good dancewear is a strong performance top that will go with any shorts or briefs. She also believes that good “dance shoes that fit” are a necessity. Many Dazzlers have continued their dance careers by owning their own studios, performing on Broadway or joining the Rockettes. That is definitely something the Dazzlers and the Maguires can be proud of.
By Cyndi Marziani Owner
