Kelsey Hagen was born to dance
OLD TAPPAN, N.J. — Tiny Dancer
Kelsey Hagen has been dancing as long as she can remember. Her first steps quickly turned into her first dance steps. She says, “I have danced since I was 3 and I started competing when I was in 7th grade on the River Vale Rockers middle school dance team.”
Given that Kelsey began dancing at a very young age, she almost immediately fell in love with it. She says, “Once I started competitively dancing, I knew this was something I wanted to continue doing.”
“As soon as the music came on, Kelsey was moving, making up her own dance routines in the living room—family ‘shows’ with her cousin became a staple of family get-togethers. Ballet and dance recitals were soon to follow, and when she was introduced to competitive dance—we knew that this was something she was really passionate about,” says Kelsey’s mom, Liz.
Competing to Be the Best
After 3 years of dancing on the River Vale Rockers dance team, Kelsey danced her way onto the Pascack Valley dance team for the past 4 years. As a team, the Pascack Valley dance team carried on a long tradition of great dance squads. During Kelsey’s time as Pascack Valley, the team accomplished the following:
• State Championships in Kelsey’s freshman and sophomore years
• National Champions in team performance at DTU Nationals in Kelsey’s junior year
• National Champions in pom at DTU nationals in Kelsey’s senior year
In addition to the team’s amazing accomplishments, Kelsey grew not only as a dancer, but also as a leader. In her senior year, Kelsey was named a captain of the varsity dance team at Pascack Valley. For Kelsey, being selected as a team captain was both humbling and motivational. She says, “As a captain for this team this year, it was important to unify and lead the team so that we could have the most successful season possible.” Given the National Championship in pom, it goes without saying that it was a successful season indeed.
Athlete, Scholar, Leader
In addition to being an incredible dancer, Kelsey also excelled academically at Pascack Valley.
Among her greatest academic achievements:
• Member of the National Honor Society
• AP Scholar
• Spanish Seal of Biliteracy
Kelsey’s hard work in her studies has certainly paid off. This fall, she will be attending Northeastern University in the fall to study cell and molecular biology. She is very much looking forward to embarking on the next chapter of academic growth. Kelsey says, “I’m excited to attend Northeastern as the city environment in Boston is something very new and exciting to me.” Good luck at Northeastern!
Kelsey also has found the time to give back both at Pascack Valley and in the community. At Pascack Valley, she served as a Peer Leader. Peer Leaders give guidance and support to incoming students at Pascack Valley. She also devoted time to Camp Rasberry, a school-based program that runs events for children with special needs. Kelsey says, “I think it’s important to dedicate time to give back to my community that has given so much to me.”
Junior Coach Kelsey
Another area in which Kelsey is able to give back is through coaching dance. She is able to share her knowledge of dance with younger dancers. As she says, “I am a coach for the Rockers Middle School Dance Team and help clean their routines and prepare them for the competition season.” She even assists with the youngest dancers here in River Vale. She says, “For the river vale cheer teams, I create the half time routines they perform at games as well as assist in teaching sideline cheers.”
Kelsey’s efforts creating half time routines are certainly appreciated by the cheerleaders, and, even more so, by the volunteer coaches. Coach Lindsay says, “Kelsey is a great resource for us coaches. Not only does she bring expertise from her time on the Pascack Valley Dance Team, she also brings a genuine kindness and friendliness that the girls gravitate towards.”
Kelsey at Home
Kelsey and her family—Liz (mom), Glenn (dad) and younger brother Ian have lived in River Vale for 18 years. The family’s favorite vacation spot over the years is California. And when they are home, they like to play games together and watch TV as a family.
Her parents are proud not only of her successes in competitive dance and her academic accomplishments, but also of the type of young woman she has grown into. Her dad, Glenn, says, “We are amazed by her perseverance and how she continues to challenge herself. And as a parent, that is something so rewarding, to know that her passion will allow her to experience so many wonderful opportunities and amazing experiences.” It is the perseverance and passion that Kelsey will bring with her as she heads off to Northeastern. Good luck, Kelsey!
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