Sophomore Cedric Johnson loves dance. Now, he is a member of the Lincoln Dance Team and is the first male on the team in years.
“I’ve been dancing my whole life, and I just thought it would be cool to add some diversity to the [all-female] team,” said Johnson. “I grew up with Chris Brown, so I watched all of his dancing videos, and he really inspired me to dance. Hopefully, I can do it in the future too.”
Chris Brown is an American singer and songwriter, known especially for his dancing and stage skills. He has inspired Johnson’s journey as a dancer.
Johnson says that the transition from football, which he did in the fall of his sophomore year, to dance was slightly rocky.
“I did football, [so] going into dance there were a lot of questions like, ‘Oh, I didn’t know you dance,” said Johnson.
The Lincoln Dance Team is a diverse group of female students.
“It definitely impacts me socially because a lot of people don’t usually see guys on dance. A lot of questions come up and [I get] a lot of stares and judgment,” said Johnson.
Johnson said he has experienced some fears about being perceived as different.
“Originally, I was scared to try out dancing. I [didn’t] want to be judged. I [didn’t] want people to make fun of me. I [didn’t] want to lose friends,” said Johnson.
However, Johnson’s passion for dancing overtook his fears of being different.
“I’m not gonna let my high school life be dictated by other people, I’m just going to do what I want,” said Johnson. “Whatever [people] have against it, that’s on them.”
“He’s really funny and super interesting,” said his teammate, junior Lilah Shields.
“He was very passionate about joining the dance team, and I respect him for that.”
Johnson said he plans to continue his dancing career throughout college and into adult life as well.
“I plan on going to a college that can really help me with pursuing dance,” said Johnson. “I might try to go to a HBCU (Historically Black College or University); I love HBCUs.”
Johnson gives some words of advice to any person who feels compelled to try something new or pursue a new passion that may seem socially unacceptable.
“Don’t be afraid to try something you like and don’t be afraid about what others think of you,” said Johnson. “If you do, you’re really gonna miss out on a lot of opportunities.”
