During the 2024-2025 school year, NHP Memorial’s Twirler team introduced its first male twirler. Sophomore Nicholas “Nicky” Lai proves that gender is not a limiting factor regarding a performer’s ability or talent. His presence on the team challenges the traditional expectation of all female performing groups, redefining the landscape of gender norms at NHP. The Twirlers recently performed in both the 2024 Pep Rally and Homecoming events.
Q: What motivated you to become a twirler?
NL: What motivated me to be a twirler was how the team has this synergy and coherency in their routines. When I first saw them, sometime in 2016, during Homecoming with my older sister, I just remember loving the domino move. They were instantly my favorite performance that day. Nonetheless, I also wanted a chance to change something, and as the first male on Twirlers, I felt like I was able to complete my goal.
Q: What was the process of getting on the Twirler team?
NL: The process of getting onto twirlers was nonetheless difficult but everybody there was always a helping hand if needed. At first, I really felt nervous, but with practice and self-care, it really worked for me to keep on pushing. The generalized process was a routine which featured intricate moves/twirls which overall paid off at the end. I felt like I accomplished something in my life when I got that acceptance email.
Q: What is the team environment like on the Twirlers?
NL: The overall team environment is very positive. I like considering it as another family, as everybody in the team is friendly and supportive with each other. Everybody is there for you and will always have a helping hand.
Q: Is there any advice you have for prospective Twirlers?
NL: Some advice I’d love to give for some aspiring twirlers is to be confident in yourself. To be confident and believing in yourself is truly a key factor in the process of trying out, and anywhere in fact. Having a positive mindset really influences your ability to achieve your goal.
