By Andrew Sangster
Staff Writer

Well ladies, with Homecoming around the corner, there’s good news for you. He might not be able to drive you there, but freshman Michael Fagan will definitely pull his weight on the dance floor. A member of the Advanced Jazz class on campus, Michael is an experienced dancer who has been at it for years.
Michael has been dancing for about 10 years, since he was 4. He participates in numerous different types of dance, including tap, jazz and ballet. Tap is his favorite because he’s been doing it for the longest and is best at it.
Dance is Michael’s main hobby as well as main athletic activity. It has helped Michael’s coordination, and has improved his flexibility. The rhythm and movement of dance, particularly of tap, are what Michael finds so appealing. So far, Michael has enjoyed the dance class here at the high school.
“It’s really cool. It allows me to refine my technique and learn new skills,” Michael said.
In addition to the fifth period Advanced Jazz class, Michael also dances at the San Juan School of Dance in Los Altos. He takes classes there for an hour each night.
“I do about five hours a week of dance outside of school,” Michael said.
Michael participates in performances with the studio, which are held every other year. Aside from his performances with San Juan, he does not compete or perform because he is focused on studying to take the Royal Academy of Dance examinations.
The Royal Academy of Dance is a dance school in England which administers examinations on dance capability. The exams are essentially competency tests for dancers so that they can gain certification.
Michael’s teacher at the studio used to be a judge for the examinations, which gives him an edge. She is working with him to prepare him so that he can hopefully take the exams in March of 2006.
“It would show that I have reached a level of technical skill that is assessable,” Michael said.
Michael enjoys dance, however he does not think he will pursue it as a career. Instead, Michael wants to be an engineer. He definitely wants to continue dancing during high school, though, and maybe through college.
“Dance and movement is my way of expressing myself. Just as a painter paints or a photographer takes pictures, I dance,” Michael said.
So ladies, as long as you can get a ride there, your only other worry will be trying to keep up with him on the dance floor.