Fairfield High School senior Teagan Gilchrist has signed with the Iowa Central Community College Dance Team — the Tritons — capping off 12 years of dance with a commitment to continue competing at the collegiate level.
“A dream come true,” Gilchrist wrote on social media after making the announcement. “After 12 years of dancing, countless hours in the studio, challenges, tears, accomplishments, and so many people who have helped me along the way, this moment means more to me than I could ever put into words. Dance has been such a huge part of my life, and I’m so grateful that I get to continue doing what I love at the collegiate level.”
Gilchrist has trained in jazz, lyrical, ballet, tap, hip hop, and acro over her 12 years of dancing, and said the versatility she has developed made Iowa Central feel like the right fit. “I really loved the environment at Iowa Central and how welcoming everyone was. I could tell that the dance program was something I could grow in while also being part of a team that feels like a family,” she said. “I also loved that I could continue dancing competitively while getting my college education.”
Gilchrist said she knew she wanted to dance in college when she realized just how central it had become to her identity. “I couldn’t imagine graduating high school and just stopping. I knew I wanted to keep challenging myself and doing something I love.” She said one of her proudest moments at Fairfield has been growing alongside her teammates and pushing through challenges rather than giving up. “I’m proud of how much I’ve grown as a dancer over the years and of all the times I’ve pushed myself through challenges instead of giving up.”
Among the biggest influences on her journey are mentor Tympest Hora and her sister, Chayse Gilchrist — a senior at Central College in Pella who is a national champion dancer. Chayse helped lead Central’s dance team to its second national title in program history earlier this year at the NDA/NCA College Nationals in Daytona Beach, Florida, recording a finals score of 88.457 in the Pom division. She was also named a first-team all-conference performer for the fourth consecutive American Rivers Conference Championship team this past February. “My sister has been a huge influence on me and someone I’ve always looked up to,” Teagan said.
Iowa Central Head Coach Cassidy Vermeer said Teagan’s versatility and character were what set her apart during the recruitment process. “Some things that stood out about Teagan during the recruitment process was her versatility as a dancer. She is a well-rounded dancer with lots of background and training,” Vermeer said. “Another thing that stood out to us was the positive characteristics she displays as a person.” On what Teagan brings to the program, Vermeer highlighted her work ethic, values, and technique. “Hard work ethic, good morals and values, good student, trained in many different styles of dance, great teammate.” Vermeer added that Teagan’s ballet technique, respect for coaches, and willingness to grow make her a strong fit at the collegiate level. “We see nothing but a bright and positive future for Teagan on our team. She will represent Triton Nation with high standards of excellence.”
Gilchrist plans to pursue pre-physical therapy at Iowa Central, saying she believes her background in dance will give her a unique edge in understanding movement and the human body. Her biggest goal heading into college is simply to grow. “I want to challenge myself, learn from my coaches and teammates, make lifelong memories, and give everything I have to the team. Most importantly, I want to enjoy every moment because I’ve spent 12 years dancing and I know how special it is to get the opportunity to continue doing what I love in college.”
