Naomi Oyenuga, a senior and a founding member of the B.A.P.S (Black & Brown Girls Bringing Pride, Ambition, and Sisterhood) team, looks back on her time with the group.
As graduation approaches, B.A.P.S is preparing to say goodbye to several senior and founding members. For many dancers, this moment feels bittersweet. While seniors are excited for what comes next, leaving behind a team built through hard work and sisterhood is emotional.
As one of the founders, this team means more to me than dance. B.A.P.S started with only eight students and grew into a community where members could express themselves, build confidence and support one another. Through helping create the team, I learned that leadership is not about recognition, but about consistency and encouraging others.
Graduating senior Ann-Kiara Bourdeau shared mixed emotions about leaving the team. She said it feels emotional knowing this chapter is ending, especially because she has seen the growth and impact the team has made over the years. At the same time, she feels proud of everything B.A.P.S has accomplished and is excited for what comes next.
She added that some of her favorite memories were the moments behind the scenes, especially during practice when the team was laughing, learning choreography and growing together. Ann-Kiara said those small moments are what made the experience meaningful and helped build strong connections within the group. As advice to future members, she emphasized consistency and confidence, saying dancers should not give up even when routines feel difficult and should continue practicing and believing in themselves.
Younger members are also reflecting on what the seniors are leaving behind. Ninth grader Zarina Didonato said she feels sad about the seniors and founding members graduating because they played a major role in building the foundation of the team and helping younger dancers grow.
She explained that one of the biggest lessons she learned from them is to stay patient and never give up, even during difficult practices. Zarina also believes the team will change after the seniors leave because newer members may not fully understand the traditions and sisterhood that were established. However, she believes Anais has the mindset and professionalism to take on a leadership role and guide the team forward. She also shared that she plans to support the team next year by staying involved, staying positive and helping maintain the B.A.P.S legacy.
Tenth grader Jenalie Marmolejos also expressed that she will miss the seniors deeply. She said the seniors played a big role in shaping the team and motivating younger dancers. Jenalie explained that what she learned most from them is to never give up no matter how hard things get and to keep pushing through challenges.
She also believes the team may become smaller next year due to the number of graduating seniors, but she is still excited to see what the group creates in the future. While she feels nervous about changes in the number of members, she remains excited to continue performing and building on what the seniors started. Jenalie said she plans to keep dancing and performing in order to help carry on the B.A.P.S legacy.
Although many seniors are graduating, the lessons they leave behind continue to shape the team. Confidence, patience, teamwork, and dedication are values younger members say they will carry forward. As B.A.P.S enters a new chapter, the pride, ambition, and sisterhood built by its members will continue to define its future.
