Alaina’s article is among a series of news stories that were completed in Ms. MacMillan’s journalism class.
The Fishers High School Unified Dance team showcased their talents at Carmel High School’s Dance Clinic on Tuesday, April 15. In this event, selected Indiana high school dance teams learn routines and perform them together.
In April of last year, sophomore Ainsley MacGregor proposed the idea of Unified Dance. Ever since, visual arts teacher Danielle Goodwin and Spanish teacher Stephanie Gutting have been sponsoring the team.
“Unified Dance is a celebration of all students and their abilities,” Gutting said. “It gives all students an opportunity to dance and cheer for our Fishers Tigers.”
According to junior London Danieo, the dance instructors show the dance with music, then slowly walk through it using counts. After, they put the counts together and everyone dances with the music.
Additionally, students can do solos, duets and small group performances. FHS performed a group dance to the song “Thunderstruck,” choreographed by three students. Gutting and senior Lolo Green performed a duet to Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off.”
“I’m super excited. For me, having been a dancer at Purdue, [dancing] fills my heart,” Gutting said. “Working with our athletes was a part of my heart that I didn’t know needed to be filled. I didn’t know this version of me existed because I hadn’t met her yet. Now that I know her, I wish this had existed when I was in high school.”
After earning a national banner in 2024, Carmel High School has been recognized for its inclusive school climate. For years, the school has been arranging events that bring students with and without disabilities together. This dance clinic creates an opportunity for Indiana high school dancers to shine.
“As a teacher, I always encourage inclusivity, equity and kids working together. I love that my athletes can thrive,” Gutting said. “I have two kids of my own, one whom is in developmental preschool. As a mom, it’s fulfilling to know that when Emmerick (my son) comes to school here, he will have so many opportunities that did not exist before, no matter what his abilities are.”
