Kara Gonzales and Desiree Castro have dreamed of practicing in LEE High School’s new dance facility for four years. They wore blindfolds as they walked into the studio for the first time, already buzzing with anticipation. The blindfolds came off, and the dance, cheer and pep squad took in their new home away from home.
It was an emotional moment for everyone in the room. Castro could only describe it as breathtaking.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment for four years and it’s finally here,” said Castro. “It felt like all of my work had led up to this moment. It’s breathtaking. I’m extremely grateful to be able to experience this.”
The LEE-ETTE dance studio is the first wing to open in the new Fine Arts Center, which was part of the 2015 Bond Program. The state-of-the-art facility will house the LEE Fine Arts program and the North East School of the Arts (NESA) starting in January 2021. Professional dance studios, classrooms, rehearsal halls and a performance stage are just a few of the new amenities North East ISD students will enjoy for generations to come.
“I think it’s definitely going to impact us in the way that seeing this is going to motivate us even more,” said Gonzales. “As soon as I opened my eyes I thought, ‘This is what LEE-ETTES stand for.’ If LEE-ETTES was a building, this is how it would look and feel. It really makes us feel like we are at home. Seeing that they wanted to gift us this is truly an honor.”
Castro and Gonzales have called this program their second home for the last four years. While they’ll only get to enjoy the new facility for one semester, it’s clear the future is bright at LEE High School.
“We have so much more space now so we’re not limited to what we can do in here,” said Castro. “A lot of girls are going to come in and be extra motivated to do well. The girls who come after me are going to grow, which means our program is going to grow too.”
Click here to learn more about LEE’s new Fine Arts Center.
