Stepping into the Spotlight: Kate Babcock
This past April, lower Kate Babcock returned from Montreal, Canada as the third best Irish step dancer in the world. She practices six days a week, mentally and physically preparing herself before performing in competition. She’s competed in Nationals and Worlds, winning top awards at both events. Last year, she won 1st place at Nationals and is currently training for the competition this summer in Rhode Island.
“I think one of the reasons I did so well this year was because I kept my mental game in check. Before I went on stage, I warmed up and then told myself that all the hard work was already done. I just needed to go for it.”
She began dancing when she was only seven years old and has been building her technique and repertoire ever since. Her mother is Irish and wanted one of her daughters to dance. Although she now knows she loves it, the challenges as a younger dancer were sometimes overwhelming. “There was a time, when I was young, when it got really hard. I wanted to quit, but I persevered and now it’s all worth it,” Babcock said.
Babcock, a day student, practices at home two days a week and has regular class four days a week. With a busy dance schedule to go along with her schoolwork, Babcock said that she has learned how to efficiently manage her time. Although her consistent training is intense and challenging, Babcock said that because she enjoys dancing—especially dancing with her friends—practicing everyday alleviates the stress of Exeter.
“My friends at dance are always supportive of me, and we always have fun traveling and attending competitions together,” she said.
Other day students who dance with her noted Babcock’s dedication and love for dance. Prep Emily Coombs, who has known Babcock for seven years and trains with her at Murray Academy in Stratham, said, “Over the years, we’ve had so much fun dancing together. She’s easy to work with, and she’s also hard working and dedicated.”
“When we were preparing for Worlds, Kate practiced everyday during the break on top of dance class. She’s always at the studio and practicing whenever she can,” Coombs added.
To prepare for competitions, she trains even more to refine her choreography. Dance is already physically demanding, but there is a whole other mental side of performing. Babcock met with a sports psychologist to help set goals and visualize how she wants the day to go. “I think one of the reasons I did so well this year was because I kept my mental game in check. Before I went on stage, I warmed up and then told myself that all the hard work was already done. I just needed to go for it,” Babcock said.
The ‘Worlds’ competition was located in Montreal this year, and the team traveled up north for the weekend. The competitions she attends are usually not in New Hampshire, so it’s routine for long car rides with friends. “My family is very supportive of me. Both my parents and grandparents came to watch the competition,” she said. At Worlds, her team placed 7th in their category, and Babcock won 3rd place with her solo.
“The best part about dance is that no matter what the judges will say, I always know I’m trying my hardest, and I can be proud of that,” Babcock said.
Babcock plans on continuing dancing until the end of high school and stopping when she goes to college. She will not always have the long hours reserved for practicing, but dancing recreationally is an option open in later years, she said.