For Skylee Simpson, commitment to dance means starting her days early with the McAlester High School pom team. Waking up at 6:30 a.m. for practice five days a week requires discipline and resilience, but Skylee finds motivation in her teammates and the shared goal of success. “The most challenging moment has been staying super motivated at times when getting up that early every single day can get hard,” she explained. Staying positive and encouraging each other keeps their spirits high and strengthens the bond that unites their team.
Skylee’s journey in dance began early. She started dancing at just two years old and fell in love with it. By the time she was eight, she had joined the Mac All Star Pom team, and from there, her dedication only grew. Her biggest influence is her sister, who blazed a path Skylee eagerly followed. “She danced, was on McAlester pom, and Oklahoma State pom so I have always looked up to her. She inspired me to dance,” Skylee shared, proud to carry on her sister’s legacy. This family connection is deeply important to her, and her mom, sister, and dad are her biggest supporters, cheering her on through every routine and milestone.
As a senior and team leader, Skylee takes her role on the team seriously. “As a senior, I just try to be a great leader to the underclassmen and take them under my wing anytime they need it. I also just like to stay positive because staying positive helps others around you as well,” she said. The team’s chemistry, strengthened by years of dancing together, is a key factor in their success. This season, with eight seniors on the team, the close-knit group is focused and driven. “The team’s chemistry this year is very great. We have all danced together since we were babies, which definitely benefits our chemistry on the floor,” Skylee explained.
This year, Skylee and her team have high ambitions. “My goals and hopes are that we win state in all three of the dances in December,” she said, adding that they’re also aiming to excel at nationals. Reflecting on her journey, Skylee is proud of her accomplishments, especially making the Oklahoma All-State dance team and winning double titles at state last year.
After high school, Skylee plans to attend Oklahoma State University to major in business or pre-law, and she hopes to continue dancing at the collegiate level. For now, she’s focused on making this final season memorable and representing McAlester with pride.
