Looks are always deceiving. What some may perceive as a blessing others may see as a curse. What some support, others hate. And what some believe to be as natural as taking a breath of air, others feel that what they are doing must be humanely impossible.

For senior Brooklyn Bratetic, this is dance. Though her skill makes it look easy, the intensity and rigor required to be a dancer of her level are often not appreciated enough.

“We practice Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings. and Thursday and Sunday evenings. It’s challenging to balance dance team with dance training, school and having a social life but we are all very used to it and pros at time management at this point,” Bratetic said.

After an extremely successful high school career, winning numerous state and national championships as a valuable member of the MN dance team, Bratetic has decided to take the next step in her dance career, committing to a college team for the next four years.

“[I signed with] the University of Alabama Dance Team for the next four years. I will be majoring in Biology, on the pre-med track, and plan to earn my degree while also being a part of the dance team for the next four years,” Bratetic said.

She says that she was drawn to the school for numerous reasons, ranging from the team itself to personal reasons as well.

“I have always wanted to attend college out of state, specifically in the South. Additionally, I have been dancing since I was two, and competing since I was six. I am not ready to give it up,” Bratetic said. “Most importantly, I was drawn to Alabama’s dance team. They are very competitive at the college national competition, and I have always loved watching their routines. I saw myself blending in well with this particular team.”

Another reason Bratetic felt drawn to this school was because of the social atmosphere that it provides.

“Another aspect that drew me to Alabama was their gameday feeling. Being on a college dance team, you cheer on the sidelines of football, and basketball games,” Bratetic said. “Football is huge in Alabama, and their athletic excellence in all sports gives more opportunities to the spirit, like dance and cheer programs. And of course, who wouldn’t want to cheer on the Tide!”

Her recruitment to the school was another special part of the process, as she was able to commit to Alabama in a unique way.

“On April 7th, I visited Tuscaloosa and attended a dance clinic, and I was offered a spot on their dance team on April 8th. The coach was able to offer me in person before my flight home left and it was really exciting and special,” Bratetic said.

To achieve this long-dreamed-of goal, Bratetic had to start her hard work in high school, beginning her preparation early.

“I attended numerous college dance clinics along with many recruiting events from my sophomore year through the fall of my senior year. In the fall of my senior year, I submitted video materials to multiple different college dance team programs I was interested in. I also attended recruitment weekends at different colleges and had multiple interviews with different coaches,” Bratetic said.

As she looks to her upcoming future, Bratetic cannot wait for what is next to come.

“I am highly looking forward to meeting and getting close with my new team, moving to the south, dancing at college nationals, and experiencing an Alabama football game for the first time,” Bratetic said.

And while high school and college dance share some similarities, she will also have to make some adjustments as she shifts into her new team.

“Being on the college dance team itself is the main difference from being in high school dance. Sports are a bigger part of the college experience and with that comes a bigger fan base and opportunities for dance team members,” Bratetic said.

Overall, Bratetic believes that dance has shaped her life in a positive way, allowing her to create the magic on stage that confounds the world around her.

“I have learned how to be a valuable member of a team, work with adults and coaches, and manage my time. These lessons have helped me succeed academically while maintaining a rigorous dance practice schedule for the past 10 years. Overall, these are valuable lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life, in and out of dance,” Bratetic said.