Pulse, the school dance team, has nearly doubled in size this year, growing to almost 30 members, thanks to significant changes aimed at preparing students for college-level dance. Despite these changes, Matthew “Monte” Montenegro, the Director of Pulse, emphasized that “the essence of Pulse hasn’t really changed.” The focus has simply shifted back to the dance program, demanding higher effort and energy from the dancers. “We’ve elevated how we perform while still being accessible to everyone who wants to join us,” he said.
Some of the changes include incorporating more cheerleading elements, dancing with a live band, and working with the school’s new drumline. “We have a lot more percussion than we’ve had in the past. It gives us a different dynamic that helps with some of the changes we’re doing in dance,” said Monte.
Stefanie Dubrowski, music teacher and Sacred Heart Prep Drumline leader, explained that the team has been preparing for these changes since last spring. The SHP Drumline includes Sadie Harmssen ‘27, Dylan Dodge ‘26, Tiburcio de la Carcova von Schaaffhausen ‘28, Ryder Jones ‘28, and Zach Wang ‘29. Alongside “Monte and his PULSE dancers, [they] have been hard at work planning, practicing, and perfecting new drum cadences and pom-pom-led dance routines,” Dubrowski said. “I can really see the results of our hard work paying off! This partnership has been a fantastic way to showcase school spirit, unite our performers, and give the SHP community something new and exciting to cheer for.”
Monte said the changes were inspired by the growing popularity of college dance programs and shows like “The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.” He added, “College dance has really blown up within our society.” Seeing and working professionally with other college dance programs, such as UCLA and Cal’s dance teams, has “really given [him] an insight as to what high school students might be looking towards if they want to continue in dance,” said Monte. The changes aim to give Pulse members a taste of what college dance programs offer and what they might be auditioning for.
Pulse member Victoria Carolina Mendoza-Cardenas supports the new changes: “I feel like the new changes will be beneficial to our already great team.” While she enjoyed her previous year on the team, “The change has made us top of our game.” Jaiden Ghumman ‘26 said, “I loved the performance, [and] I liked the song they chose. They put a lot of work in it, and it was well-choreographed.” Dubrowski said. “It’s been such a refreshing and energetic collaboration for the school community, allowing us to contribute to Pep Rallies and bring a new spin to pre-game and halftime entertainment at our Girls Flag Football and Boys Varsity Football games.” The team also plays a key role in boosting school spirit: “Pulse brings a level of energy that’s important for both the players and the crowd…It’s a bridge between the audience and the players,” said Monte. As the team continues to evolve, it is clear that Pulse will remain a vital part of school spirit and an inspiration for aspiring dancers.
