Ella Kate Siever’s love for dance has shaped her entire high school experience at McAlester, and her journey is as unique as it is inspiring. A senior this year, Ella Kate reflects on her 11 years of dance with gratitude and pride. “Making that decision has been one of the greatest blessings,” she shared about joining the McAlester Pom squad after moving to McAlester in the second grade. For her, dance has always been more than a sport—it’s a passion she has nurtured over the years.
Born in Arkansas, Ella Kate spent her childhood looking up to the Arkansas dance teams, which became a source of inspiration. “I was inspired not only by the passion I saw in the dance team, but also by the way I felt taking my first classes,” she said. This early fascination has fueled her dedication, which is evident in her role as a leader on the McAlester Pom team.
Ella Kate approaches leadership with a desire to foster positivity and improvement. “I aspire and challenge myself to be an adaptable and positive leader for our team this season,” she explained. She emphasizes maintaining a healthy mindset, encouraging her teammates, and setting high standards for herself and her team. Her motto for the season is to “practice how you want to perform,” a mindset she hopes will lead the team to another successful year with state and national titles.
Despite the rigorous schedule of morning practices and demanding routines, Ella Kate finds joy in the journey. “Our team will break out at the end of practice, and I walk out of practice feeling accomplished and proud of our work,” she said. One of her proudest moments was placing fourth in the nation with her team, a memory she cherishes deeply.
As she looks ahead to the future, Ella Kate is trusting in God’s plan and hopes to continue dancing in college. “I can see myself completing my first four years of college, hopefully satisfied and full of great memories,” she said. With a heart full of gratitude for her family, friends and teammates, Ella Kate’s journey is one of dedication, resilience and joy.