Junior Rylee Finstrom is a Wildcat dancer through and through. Having dedicated nearly her entire life to dance, Finstrom combines talent, passion, and commitment both on and off the floor as a member of the West Chicago Community High School Dance Team. With over 13 years of experience across styles like hip hop, jazz, and ballet, Finstrom is a pivotal part of the team and a role model for her peers.

“It’s just something that keeps me, me, you know? Like it made me who I am,” Finstrom said.

Her journey began at just two years old when her mom noticed how much she loved dancing to music around the house.

“All she ever wanted to do was dance. Whether we were shopping and she was dancing down the aisles, at one of her dad’s shows, or just at home,” Finstrom’s mom, Kelli Mezzuca, said. “We even took a Mommy and Me class when she was two, and it was clear from the start that this was her passion. From that class forward, she’s been in dance—moving from the park district to private studios.”

Now a standout on WCCHS’s Dance Team, Finstrom is known for her technical skills and powerful stage presence.

“Her turns! She can turn like crazy, and she has a lot of control when she does tricks, so it’s very clean,” junior Kayla Zamora, one of her teammates, said.

Her mother, Mezzuca, marvels at her versatility on stage. “It amazes us to see her come out for a high-energy hip-hop performance, then head backstage for a quick change, and come back out for an emotional lyrical dance. She always gives it her all,” she said.

Despite years of experience, Finstrom still feels a rush before every performance.

“I’ve performed so many times. But still, every time I’m backstage, I’m like, ‘Oh, my, like, I’m backstage,’” Finstrom said.

While she does not see herself pursuing dance as a full-time career, Finstrom hopes to keep it as a part of her life.

“I would love to pursue maybe a tiny side job, you know, teaching maybe, just a few dance classes,” Finstrom said.

The idea is one her family wholeheartedly supports.

“We just want her to be and do whatever makes her happy—and to always keep dancing,” Mezzuca said.

For those who do not consider dance a sport, Finstrom is quick to explain the physical demands and dedication required.

“When people don’t consider us a sport, it’s like, ‘We work either the same or probably even harder than you guys,’ because to do dance, you have to move your body in ways they’re not supposed to move,” Finstrom said.

The hard work does not go unnoticed by her family.

“She practices multiple hours a day, multiple days a week. We don’t get to see weekly games like other sports, so we really look forward to her competitions and recitals, where all her effort pays off,” her mom said.

For anyone considering a new hobby or looking for a way to express themselves, Finstrom wholeheartedly recommends dance.

“I would recommend getting to know the field and getting to know how you perform with people,” Finstrom said.