SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - Tuesday afternoons are full of sweat, laughter, and lots of glitter at Robertson Charter School. 

"With us being a charter school, we don't have as many resources. So it was really important for us to bring dance in because that's an option for them to explore that outlet..." said Heather Herron, co-coach of the dance team.

Three years ago, what started as an idea is now landing this team center court in just a few weeks. 

"I want to be an NBA Dancer!" shared seventh grader, Kennya Pierson. She's not the only one. Now, Pierson and her teammates are turning their dream into reality.

On February 24th, the dance team is heading to Indianapolis to perform at an Indiana Pacers Game for thousands. 

"A lot of them had never imagined even going to an NBA game, let alone standing on the court for a Pacers game and dancing!" said Herron.

Herron, alongside her co-coach Jaya Lawary, organized this experience to take their team of nine outside of Decatur. 

Lawary adds, "A lot of them want to be professional dancers! So having these wonderful opportunities and experiences firsthand shows what they could potentially do!"

As soon as the music starts, these girls light up. Their team has first graders all the way through seventh graders, but the ages don't change a thing. 

Even the youngest member, Salaya Jarrett, shared "...they are my friends and they help me!"

The coaches describe their bond as seamless. "They are sisters. They look out for each other. They see each other in the hall. They try to help each other accountable for their grades as well..." said Herron.

Both Herron and Lawary hope to teach their girls that even dreams, that seem so far out of reach, can be attainable through hard work and passion.

"I don't think that they necessarily thought this could be something that they could accomplish, but it can they can accomplish that..." Herron said with a smile. "It's why we do what we do."

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