February 2025
By Diana Villanueva and Rosaura De Leon, Staff Reporters
Alex Martinez, a junior at KIPP Austin Collegiate, is making waves as the only male member of the school’s dance team. His journey to this groundbreaking role has been shown through challenges, determination, and commitment to carve out his own path, despite his fears of living in his older sister’s shadows.
While some at Collegiate are skeptical of Alex’s decision to join Dance Crew, he remains unfazed by the talk at our school. Some classmates questioned his place on the team, while others dismissed dance as a “girl’s activity.” Even within the team, doubts lingered about whether he could keep up with the demands of the rigorous routines he learned this year and his schoolwork. Alex was undeterred. “ I knew I had to prove myself,” he said, “Not just to others, but to myself as well.”
He began devoting hours not just at school, but after school as well. Balancing dance and academics has been a challenge. Between long rehearsals, homework, and navigating the social pressures of high school, Alex’s schedule is packed. Yet, he credits his friends and dance for helping him stay grounded. “It’s my outlet,” he explained. “When I’m dancing I feel the pressure go away.”
When we interviewed him he had a lot to say. “ When my sister was here, she was a founding member of the robotics program, she was a captain on Dance Crew, so I definitely feel that. Towards like “Am I better than her and what does the team think of me?” We also asked him “ What does it feel like to be the only male in Dance Crew?”
He responded with a very inspiring answer, “ It feels very isolating because I am the only guy, I have to watch as they form a bond with each other and I’m in the corner feeling like an outsider you know. So to a certain degree it feels very lonely.”
While he expressed that he enjoys the sport, and has grown a lot this year, he remains uncertain about his future. We asked Alex how he juggles his packed schedule due to him taking 5 AP classes this year. Alex said, “ I don’t really have a schedule, I base everything off of priority and what needs to get done first, you know? I do try to get ahead of assignments and stuff but sometimes we just have those kinds of days. Lot of grinding, a lot of homework and studying when I can and on the weekends.”
We asked his friends, Janet Ortuño and Zanaida Reyes, a multitude of questions about him and they had a lot to say. Janet said, “ For me, he has made my life more fun and he always brings in a light whenever he steps into the room. He’s very interesting and always pushes me to do my best concerning my academics and I’m very proud to know him. He’s a little smarty pants, I always enjoy being around him.” Zanaida responded with a similar answer, “Alex has taught me that I don’t have to take life too seriously and I can always fit in moments to have fun and enjoy life as he does. He has an incredible work ethic to him, and I aspire to be as silly as he is as well as strong and versatile.”
Now, as the competitions for Dance Crew begin, we will continue to see more of Alex and his trailblazing self, who wants to make it so others will be inspired to follow in his footsteps and join Dance Crew. Alex’s Journey is more than just about dance; it’s about breaking barriers put up by society and redefining expectations. “ Being the only guy on the team was tough at first,” he said. “ But I’ve learned that passion and hard work speak louder than stereotypes.”
For KIPP Austin Collegiate, Alex is more than just a student. He’s a trailblazer who provides courage and dedication that can hopefully open more doors for male dancers who lack the support of others to pursue their dreams.
The Cardinal Post 