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Interview Question Reflection
Brynn Lewis
MGMT 321, Section 001: Ldrshp and Motiv (FA25)
Thomas E Kramer
September 10, 2025
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As a dance instructor and director, I faced a leadership challenge that tested my ability to
adapt and solve problems on the spot. In 2023, my team attended a dance convention and
competition in Baltimore, Maryland. The night before the competition, one of our dancers
became very sick and could not participate. This dancer was scheduled to perform in four
separate group dances the next day, which created an immediate problem that every group
number she was in would now be unbalanced and missing important choreography. With
competitions, timing, staging, and formations are all critical. Losing a performer on such short
notice can cause unnecessary stress for the dancers, disrupt the performance quality, and
potentially lower our overall scores.
The first step I took was identifying the problem clearly in my head. The obvious issue
was that one dancer was missing, but the deeper challenge was how her absence impacted four
different routines. This meant that choreography had to change, and the dancers’ confidence and
mindset needed to be addressed.
Once I understood the scope of the problem, I quickly organized a meeting early the next
morning with both the dancers and their parents. I wanted to be transparent about the situation so
everyone knew the plan moving forward. I tried to communicate clearly, especially during times
of stress or uncertainty. By explaining the situation calmly and confidently, I could assure
everyone that while this was a setback, it was also an opportunity to show teamwork and
resilience.
The next step was adaptability. We had minimal time before the first performance, so I
worked with the dancers to quickly restage the routines. This meant adjusting spacing, shifting
specific steps from one dancer to another, and in some cases, simplifying choreography so that it
still looked polished on stage. I needed to ensure I could adapt to these kids and make decisions
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quickly and simply. I did not have the luxury of rehearsing these changes multiple times, but I
had to trust my judgment and the dancers’ ability to rise to the challenge.
Throughout this process, I also had to manage the dancers' emotions. They were
understandably nervous about performing with changes made at the last minute. I reminded them
of their hard work and the importance of supporting each other as a team to motivate them. They
also as a team have to rise and become leaders, as well as I need to show empathy and encourage
confidence in the long run. By reinforcing their strengths, I helped them shift their focus from the
problem to the opportunity and prove that they can adapt under pressure.
In the end, the dancers performed remarkably well. While the routines were not precisely
as I originally choreographed, the audience and judges could not tell there had been such a
significant change behind the scenes. The dancers felt proud of themselves, and parents
expressed gratitude for how quickly and calmly the situation had been handled.
Looking back, problem-solving, adaptability, decision-making under pressure, and
motivational communication were all leadership skills. This situation reminded me that while
preparation is essential, the ability to pivot in the moment is equally critical. If asked this
question in an interview, I'd share this story because it shows my ability to stay calm, adapt
quickly, and lead others in stressful situations. These skills apply not just in dance, but in any job
where challenges arise. Good leadership is about helping a team move forward together, even
when uncertain.