Today we’d like to introduce you to Lexie Secrest.
Hi Lexie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve been dancing for as long as I can remember (literally since I could walk) but my formal training really took off in middle school when I was around 10 or 11. Everything clicked for me at Wiley Middle School when I made my first big team, the Silver Spurs. That experience completely lit a fire under me, inspiring me to dive into studio training in 7th grade. By 8th grade, I stepped into my very first leadership role as 1st Lieutenant. That was the moment I was given the opportunity to choreograph for my team and other programs at our school and I fell in love with choreographing.
The summer before my freshman year, I started training at MÜV Dance & Fitness, and I instantly felt right at home. With their continued support and dedicated teachers I carried that momentum into my freshman year, taking high school dance classes and eventually making the Rouse Royals. Sophomore year was a major turning point: I became an inaugural member of the GRÜV Hip Hop Company, and I created “Dracula”—my very first self-choreographed solo. Seeing that piece score as a two-time D1 qualifier at the high school level showed me what I was truly capable of as a creator and dancer.
By junior year, I stepped back into an officer role as a second lieutenant, competed at Dance Team Union Nationals in Orlando, Florida, and began getting hired by dance studios to choreograph award-winning routines. Now in my senior year, I’m serving as an officer once again, continuing to build my choreography portfolio, and putting everything I’ve got into reaching my ultimate goal: dancing on the UT Pom squad!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Because I started my formal studio training later than most, I felt like I had to compress years of technique into just a few months to catch up with girls who had been in the studio since they were toddlers. Beyond the physical push, finding my self-belonging and confidence in such a high-stakes, competitive environment was tough.
Dance can be hyper-critical, and people love to pick apart every detail possible. On top of that, I faced personal mental health struggles due to the issues of finding my”right” and “worthiness” of making the teams that I did, and while dance itself was always my ultimate outlet and safe haven, negative environments tried to strip that joy away from me. But navigating through those mental and social hurdles only made me stronger, more resilient, and more sure of who I am.
The biggest hurdle I’ve fought against, though, is the struggle for dancers to be recognized as real athletes. From lack of funding and limited access to weight rooms and athletic trainers, to literally fighting for equal parking spots at school, dance is so often overlooked despite the intense physical strain it requires.
It frustrated me so much that during my sophomore year, I even wrote to Governor Greg Abbott’s office demanding better athletic recognition and support for dance programs. That experience ignited a real fire in me: I want to use my voice, my platform, and my future career in public relations and a professional career in dance to ensure that dancers are finally respected, funded, and seen as the true athletes we are.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My personal training covers a broad range of styles ranging from the precision and energy of pro style and drill team, to the grounded rhythm of hip hop, and the emotional technique of jazz and contemporary. Each genre has shaped me into a versatile athlete. When it comes to choreography, I’m deeply passionate about introducing young dancers to the floor. Being a small part of their journey and guiding them through their first big moments, studio milestones, or helping the Mini Royals, is easily the most rewarding work I do.
What I’m most proud of is how far hard work and consistency have taken me. Starting formal studio training later than many of my peers meant I had to double down on my focus to catch up. To now see my work recognized with awards, see my name credited on high-level routines, and prepare for the collegiate level is something I am and will always be incredibly grateful for.
What sets me apart is how I lead. Having been the “new kid” who struggled with self-doubt, I know exactly what that feels like. I use that experience to be a relatable mentor who helps dancers discover their own strengths. Beyond creating choreography, I focus on cultivating a culture of positivity and support. Contributing to environments where athletes are surrounded by people who genuinely cheer for their success, celebrate their growth, and lift them up every step of the way.
What’s next?
Right now, my focus is fully set on college applications and preparing for UT Pom recruitment. Navigating senior year as a dedicated student-athlete has practically felt like living a double life. While balancing intensive training, leadership, and national competitions, and working on maintaining a consistent 4.5 GPA all four years.
To make sure I’m ready for the collegiate level, I’ve been attending UT Pom clinics, training alongside current Pom squad members, and taking intensive seminars with DCC and Houston Texan cheerleaders, as well as many other incredible teachers such as Evan Anderson, Abbey Wilson, Trevor Parmentier, Abbey Comeaux, and Hannah Taub to sharpen my technique while training at MÜV Dance & Fitness.
My vision board is full of big goals, starting with attending UT Austin and wearing that Longhorn uniform. Looking down the road, my ultimate goal is to dance professionally in the NFL. After pursuing my professional sports dance career, I plan to transition into the commercial route in LA, inspired by building on incredible experiences I’ve already had, like training at Millennium Dance Complex during my sophomore year. I would love to even fulfill my dream of sharing the stage with artists like Tate McRae and Taylor Swift, artists who have always inspired me greatly throughout my journey.
As you can see, dance isn’t just a hobby for me, it’s my entire life, my passion, and my purpose. Every late night in the studio and early morning studying has been building toward this next chapter, and I am so ready for what’s to come!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexiesecrest13 and https://www.instagram.com/moves.by.lex
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/moves.by.lex
