Among many traditions held at Coral Gables Senior High, the 2024 Fall Frolics show features the Gablettes dancers who perform a series of dances they have practiced countless times. Running for 49 years, one dance stands out: the Sweetheart Dance. In this performance, seniors from the Gablettes dance team partner with a boy of their choice to dance through a series of songs. Directed by Coach Ms. Diaz, this moment is filled with memories for the dancers as they display their connection through movements.
Jayleen Hernandez and Nicolas Delgado
Co-captain Jayleen Hernandez is a fourth-year member of the team. Being her fourth and final time dancing in the Fall Frolics, she aimed to make it the best. Choosing to take one of her last performances alongside senior Nicolas Delgado, her experience in dance, combined with his ability to quickly pick up the footwork, allowed them to perform effortlessly.
Senior Delgado, one of the sweethearts for the 2024 Fall Frolics, had been waiting for this moment for years. Taking after his brother, his past dancing and sports experience has prepared him for this moment. After dancing in Mr. Coral Gables last year, he found learning dances much easier. Although choreography is not the easiest, his athletic background with volleyball helps with the technical aspects like footwork. In addition, senior Hernandez helped him in trying his hardest to perfect the dance.
“I am the beautiful and amazing Jayleen “JJ” Hernandez’s sweetheart. I have enjoyed watching the Gablettes’ dances since I was in sixth grade. Since it’s my last year at Gables, it’s an honor to be doing the sweethearts dance as I watched my brother do it his senior year. I know for a fact it’s going to be one second of me being nervous, but as soon as I start dancing, I’ll be right where I belong,” senior Delgado said.
Kayleigh Mellgren and Gianni Guneo
“The sweetheart dance is one of my favorite dances each year. It’s put on by the senior Gablettes and the Gablette Sweethearts. After watching these hilarious dances from the wings the last 2 years, I was so excited to get to perform it with my boyfriend,” senior Kayleigh Mellgren said.
Co-captain of the Gablettes alongside senior Hernandez, senior Mellgren has been on the team for three years. This year, she chose to perform with her boyfriend Gianni Cuneo. Dating for two years, it was inevitable that the pair would choose together.
“I picked him because we’ve known each other since I first joined the team in my sophomore year, and he helped me learn what a sweetheart really was. I hope we got both a laugh and an ‘aw’ out of the audience, and we can’t wait to challenge the boys even more for the spring Gablette Revue show,” senior Mellgren said.
This was truly a new experience not only for the other dancers but also for her. For many of them, it was their first time performing on the big stage, and it was her first year carrying this amount of responsibility for the outcome of the dance as choreographer. Despite the challenges, the performance turned out to be great.
Nicole Nova and Julian Saavedra
Senior Nicole Nova is a fourth-year member of the Gablettes. She did the Sweetheart Dance with her boyfriend, senior Julian Saavedra. The strong chemistry between them allows them to perform effortlessly, showcasing their talents while openly expressing their true emotions towards each other. This deep connection allows for authenticity, enhancing their performance.
“I chose Julian as my sweetheart because of how he treats me. He is incredibly kind, always thinking of ways to make me smile, and his sense of humor brightens my days and makes every moment together enjoyable. I will remember this for the rest of my life and having him as my sweetheart is something I will always cherish,” senior Nova said.
With this being senior Nova’s final fall performance, she and senior Saavedra dedicated hours to practicing their routines, making sure to perfect them. Their strong chemistry and connection created through the years of their relationship transformed into their routines, captivating audiences as they performed.
Gabriela Rodriguez and Jared Muñoz
“When Gabby asked me to be her Sweetheart, I happily accepted. Although it wasn’t my first time on stage, I wasn’t too nervous. However, since it was my first time dancing with the Gablettes, I was excited. We made sure to prepare and practice every Friday leading up to the show. Memories like these will stay with me forever,” senior Jarez Muñoz said.Gabriela Rodriguez, a second-year member and senior on the team, performed with her best friend, senior Jared Muñoz. Their bond ties back to middle school with the pair growing together as teenagers. Joining the Gablettes in her junior year, senior Rodriguez quickly expressed her dance moves with agility. The duo have also been involved in dance throughout their time, creating a blend of hip-hop and Latino music to fuse together.
“I picked Jared to be my sweetheart because he’s a great friend and can always light up a stage. I’m excited to dance again with Jared at Gablette Revue, because it will be my last time performing as a Gablette and his last time performing as a Sweetheart. The moment will be bittersweet since we have known each other since middle school,” senior Gabriela Rodriguez said.
Victoria Sosa and Owen Anders
Victoria Sosa is a senior and a second-year member of the team. She performed the sweetheart dance with her boyfriend, Owen Anders. Their three-year anniversary recently passed just before the Fall Frolics, making this performance an amazing opportunity for them to celebrate. The heartfelt dance showcases their coordination and the time they spent perfecting it.
“I chose Owen not only because he’s my boyfriend, but because he’s my best friend, and it’s a great experience because you get to share your Gablette world with a non-Gablette, connecting with another person and sharing that experience of your senior year with your closest friend,” senior Victoria Sosa said.
The time the Sweethearts spent with the Gablettes helped them build a strong connection in a short period. With the Gablette Revue planned to take place after Spring Break, the connections these dancers previously made will allow them to learn the second dances with ease.
“The seniors and the Sweethearts all got together and became a little friend group-family, and it’s really nice to have people there to watch you, especially it being my last year,” senior Victoria Sosa said.
The annual Fall Frolics sweetheart dance was a success as always. The crowd was delighted to see the dancers enjoying the moment, their happiness spreading to the audience. Their detailed movements and contagious smiles filled the room with excitement. Laughter and cheers filled the auditorium, making it a night to remember.
