Pulse Dance Team has provided the Prep with stellar performances for over a decade, the inclusive dance team captivating audiences with their high energy. Whether that be at football games, the Chili Cook-off, or their own performances, they are an unmistakable part of SHP culture and spirit.
However, people may be less familiar with their long-standing tradition of having “at least one male [student] in Pulse,” as stated by Mr. Matthew Montenegro. That distinction is currently held by Bennett Sweeney ‘27, who joined Pulse as a freshman. So, in a space few male students typically explore, what is the experience for Bennett, and what can we learn from his story?
While Pulse is composed of mostly female students, the team’s coach, Dance Teacher Mr. Matthew “Monte” Montenegro, is a male dancer himself. Monte says that societal norms make it “unheard of” for men to pursue dance as a career when reflecting on his own journey in dance. He says that he’s had to “forge [his] own path,” through his time dancing professionally as a member of the Warriors’ dance team, and as the first male dance teacher at the Prep.
In his last 15 years here, Monte says that the team has always had at least one male student, and that Bennett has been “the next person to take up that mantle.” Monte says that since Bennett started, he’s grown artistically and physically, noting that there is room to grow, but that he has a “huge ceiling.”
Bennett first took an interest in joining the Prep’s dance program in his freshman year, knowing he wanted to “do something different.” Bennett says that he was nervous about joining, as “it’s a very vulnerable sport,” referring to the pressure and anxiety from performing in front of crowds. Coming in as a beginner to dance, Bennett says that Monte provided “really good leadership” and support when first starting. Bennett did notice a definite “gender dynamic” when he first joined, where he says that it was hard not being able to “see a lot of people who are like you out in that environment.”
Bennett is open about difficulties he’s faced as a male dancer, saying it’s hard when “everyone else is wearing the same uniform, and you’re not.” However, he faces these challenges head-on, with the mindset that “[he’s] a part of this team just as much as everyone,” reminding himself that “it is a team sport.” Yet, he notes that many of his challenges “aren’t unique,” and says that many dancers face them, regardless of gender.
Through dancing, Bennett believes he’s grown in his confidence, able to take more risks in dance and socially. He says dance helped him to become “more outgoing and more comfortable.” He also says that with how often he sees other members of Pulse, “it’s kind of hard not to make friends” and develop relationships across classes.
Bennett says that anyone considering joining Pulse should know that “it’s an amazing space” and should not be afraid of joining. Monte offered additional encouragement for prospective male dancers, saying, “It’s not going to be an easy road,” but that “the journey is worth taking.”
Bennett’s example exemplifies the values of Goal V: “Personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom” in his willingness to try something new and develop skills and relationships in the process. His pursuit to develop his talent in a space with no other current male participants is courageous and demonstrates that SHP’s sports, arts, and extracurriculars are not limited to certain groups, but are for everyone to participate in.
