Anaiah Charles is a senior who was born on November 5, 2007. She started dancing on the school team her freshman year. She was inspired to dance from a very young age, and the Pasco High dance team opened new doors for her to try. Now 17, she is on the varsity Pasco High dance team. 

The dance team sure trains a lot, but how does Anaiah train outside of practice? 

“Outside of practice, I will practice my dance routines and tricks to make sure I have them down. I will also sometimes do my own workouts at home when I feel I need them.” 

What are her goals for the season? 

“For this next dance season, my goal is to give it my all and help my team as much as I can and have a good time, as this will be my last year on the team and at Pasco High School!” 

The dance team is the most successful sports team throughout the school, so what is the most challenging thing for Anaiah? 

“One of the most challenging things is always having a positive mindset when things get hard. It can be difficult when things get busy, but you just have to remind yourself what you’re working towards!” 

How does Anaiah deal with loss? 

“The way I deal with loss is trusting in God that he has a plan and that everything happens for a reason. Though it may be hard, nothing is too hard for Jesus!” 

How does she feel after a win? 

“After a win, I like to congratulate my teammates and take in all the celebration. I will also look back and see what made us and the team successful so that we can implement those same principles for the next competition.” 

Daishaundra Loving is a new coach to Anaiah and the rest of the Pasco High dance team; does she believe Anaiah deserves to be the athlete of the week? “I think Anaiah would be an amazing athlete of the week. Being an athlete is about so much more than physical strength and attributes. When motivation fails you, discipline and character are all you have. Anaiah thrives in those areas.” 

Does the coach believe Anaiah deserves the position she is in? 

“She is a great example and leader, and we are lucky to have her as one of our captains this year.” 

What is something that stands Anaiah out from the rest? 

“Anaiah stands out because of her integrity and her grit. She leads from within, and that gives her a very clear perspective.” 

What are some of Anaiah’s qualities that the coach looks for to build a good team? 

“The qualities that she has that make her a great team member are her work ethic and her principles. Like I said, it’s great to be physically gifted, but it is even better to have that and a strong center of who you are and what you believe in. Anaiah locks in for her team.” 

What type of person is she during practices and games? 

“During practices and games, she is a great example, a strong voice, and a strong dancer. She holds our standards up very well.” 

What are some of Anaiah’s strengths and weaknesses that the coach notices? 

“Her strengths are everything that I mentioned. As a coach, I want to help my team be at peak physical form as dancers, but I also want to help them maintain strong mental health. Being sturdy in who you are and having great emotional regulation is what we strive for. I think everyone can always be working on that goal, and I’m grateful to be able to work on it with them this year as well.” 

Keyla De La Cruz is one of Anaiah’s teammates, but does she believe Anaiah deserves to be the athlete of the week? “Yes, I think Anaiah deserves to be the athlete of the week.” 

To Keyla, what is something that stands out about Anaiah from the rest? 

“Something that stands out from Anaiah is how caring she is and how natural a dancer she is.” 

Does she believe Anaiah deserves the position she is in? 

“Yes, I believe Anaiah deserves the position she is in and so much more because she’s always working hard and she’s great at working with her team. Also, she’s always grateful for the opportunities we get and still stays humble.” 

What type of person is Anaiah during practices and performances/competitions? 

“During practices, Anaiah is very focused and respectful towards everyone. During performances and competitions, she always keeps the energy up and fun, and at the same time, she’s focused and locked in.” 

Is Anaiah a friend on and off the dance floor? 

“Yes, Anaiah is a friend of mine and on the dance team. She’s sweet, and that’s what I like about her, that she doesn’t pretend to be someone else, and she’s funny, nice, and caring.” 

What did Keyla notice Anaiah do to get into the position she is in? 

“Something I noticed her do to get in these positions is her never giving up on anything, always trying her best to be the best, and her confidence.” 

As previously stated, Anaiah is a senior, which means it is her final year of high school. She has won many awards and accomplished many things with her team. But will she continue to dance after high school? 

“I am still undecided on whether or not I will join a dance team after high school, but I will always have it in my life! That could be taking dance classes or making my own choreo, etc. Dance is a love I have always had and could never lose.”