Senior Reese Harper never planned on joining the LFHS Dance Team. In fact, her mom forced her to  try out as a way to get involved with the school. Three years later, she’s making history as the first LFHS dancer to be recruited to dance at the collegiate level, earning a spot on The Ohio State University Dance Team. 

The OSUDT has won 13 National Championships and two World Championships, solidifying their reputation as one of the top programs in the country. Harper is one of just seven incoming freshmen recruited to the team. 

Harper’s journey in dance began when she was four at Lomastro Performing Arts Academy, where she trained and competed nearly every day throughout her childhood. There, she built a strong foundation before joining the LFHS Dance Team, where she developed her technique and a passion for the sport. 

The path to OSU was anything but predictable. From a last-minute recruitment video to months of clinics, phone calls, and unwavering determination, Harper’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and hard work. 

The process began the summer before Harper’s junior year when she attended her first in-person clinic at a recruitment event in Minnesota. With not much knowledge of the college dance world, she was unsure of what to expect and where she stood amongst the other candidates. 

“When we came home from that weekend, I thought maybe she wouldn’t be as interested in pursuing college dance because of all the competition,” Mrs. Harper said. “Her dad and I went into her room that night and said, ‘So, do you think maybe college dance isn’t for you?’ She quickly responded, ‘No, I definitely want to do it.’ I thought…ok, here we go.”

After continuing to dance at the high school her junior year and competing in solos independently, Harper decided to submit a recruitment video to OSU, due on June 1. With no major expectations, she sent in her video just two days before the deadline.

“I submitted that first recruitment video not having any intention that anything could come out of it, but I had a little bit of hope in the back of my mind,” Harper said.

That hope turned into reality in July when Harper attended her first in-person clinic at OSU, a highly competitive event that allowed high school dancers to showcase their skills in front of the coaching staff as well as learn directly from the team. As part of the clinic, Harper competed in a solo competition and placed in the top five—an achievement that earned her a spot to dance on day two and confirmed that she could stand out among the best.

“After watching her place among some of the most talented dancers in the country, I knew we had a college dancer on our hands,” Mrs. Harper said.

By October, the recruitment process became more personal when Assistant Coach Katie Devine reached out, inviting Harper to another clinic in November. From there, phone calls, meetings, and in-depth conversations with the coaching staff and her family followed.

On Feb. 16, the long-awaited moment arrived. Harper was officially offered a spot on The Ohio State University Dance Team. 

“I never really thought being able to dance on the OSU Dance Team was a possibility. When I got the phone call offering me a spot, I was in shock and couldn’t even believe it was true,” Harper said. “I still have a hard time believing this is real, and I don’t know if it will ever set in.” 

Harper’s family also experienced this moment of disbelief, who understood the difficulty of making a team like OSU and the emotional stakes involved. 

“We’ve always known Reese was talented, but the talent pool is big and OSU is one of the top in the country. I knew she had a chance, but I didn’t want her to get heart broken,” Mrs. Harper said. “When she got the call to offer her a spot on the team, I could not have been more excited and proud of her! It was an incredible night of tears, hugs, phone calls, and true happiness!”

Harper’s journey is a reflection of resilience and her character. 

“I think anyone who has seen Reese dance can recognize what a special dancer she is. She has this amazing combination of incredible technique and an infectious positivity and confidence that really stands out,” junior teammate Mia Konkol said. “She is not only an amazing dancer, but an incredible leader as well. She is the definition of hard work leading to success.”

LFHS Dance Team Head Coach Angela McNicholas highlighted how Harper’s leadership style sets her apart.

“Reese’s high expectations for herself always drove her to use her minutes in the studio to take steps forward and never rest on the talent she already had.  I believe this pulled teammates in because it showed that the team is in it together,” McNicholas said. “It makes the victories that much sweeter because each step has been about the team working together, not a leader just telling peers what to do.”

Harper’s leadership extends beyond hard work, as her composure sets her apart from the rest of her competition.

“One quality Reese has had from the very beginning was her control. Not only does she portray this asset physically through her dancing, but also mentally,” senior co-captain Blakely Rice said. “I’ve always admired how she can control her nerves and not let any of the stress from competitions or performances set her off. This has played into why she is such a key asset to the team’s dynamic each year.” 

Harper improved her own skills while also positively impacting her teammates. Over time, she developed into a leader who pushed others and inspired her team to keep striving for more.

“The biggest way I have seen Reese grow as a dancer and teammate during her time on LFDT is in her ability to lead others by her example,” McNicholas said. “She vocalizes her own goals and talks through her own challenges, which encourages her teammates to do the same.”

The OSU coaching staff noticed Harper’s commitment to improvement. Throughout the recruitment process, they emphasized that her maturity and character were just as important as her talent. 

“Her work ethic is one of her greatest assets and shows her reliability because she has proven time and time again that she will show up for herself and her teammates in the studio and on the competition floor. Her work ethic has set the standard for her peers and future generations of dancers as well,” McNicholas said.

Harper’s recruitment isn’t just a personal milestone—it’s a breakthrough moment for LFHS dance.

“Being the first dancer from Lake Forest to be recruited to a collegiate dance team is honestly so crazy because this process is super competitive. I felt so confused the whole time and didn’t know where I stood,” Harper said. “It’s so validating and exciting to know that the future college dance could be possible for other dancers at LFHS too.”

For those aspiring to dance at the collegiate level, Harper emphasizes the importance of believing in yourself throughout the process. She recommends putting yourself out there and gaining experience but encourages dancers not to feel defeated if it seems like their efforts aren’t enough.

“If you stay true to yourself and you know you’re putting in the work and doing the best you can, you’re going to get the result that’s best for you,” Harper said. 

As Harper prepares to step onto one of the biggest stages in the collegiate dance world, she welcomes the chance to fulfill a lifelong dream.

“It’s always been my dream to go to a Big Ten school and dance on the sidelines and at the collegiate competitive level,” Harper said. “Knowing that I’ll be a part of something bigger than myself is so exciting.”

From a reluctant freshman joining her high school dance team to making history at OSU, Harper’s journey proves how commitment and passion can turn dreams into reality.

“This journey has been so unpredictable, but it’s taught me that opportunities come when you keep pushing past your limits. Looking back to freshman year, I never would’ve believed I’d be here, and that makes this moment even more special,” Harper said.