For the third year in a row, the dance team won the State competition that took place on Nov. 22. They competed against 15 other teams in the 5A division. Dance coach Jaymes Dickinson said he felt great about the win.
“I think that this was the best that they’ve ever danced at that competition so I’m really happy with how it went,” Dickinson said.
The team’s repertoire includes styles of dance like jazz, pom and lyrical that they work on during their practices. Senior dance captain Sophie Harmon said she looks forward to practicing with her teammates.
“[Practices] are usually three hours long,” Harmon said. “It’s helped me work as a team, it’s helped my technique so much, it’s been a great support system too.”
Senior dance captain Alana Lewis said the team has good dynamics and shows grit and determination.
“You feel so much joy knowing your team put in the effort into making [the season] happen,” Lewis said. “I’m so proud of my team and just getting to experience that with them.”
Harmon said she started dancing when she was 2 and said since then, she has fallen in love with it.
“I really love being in a group of girls and dancing as a team and I love listening to the music and letting your body go,” Harmon said.
The dance team started learning their State routine in June.Dickinson said the competition was split up into two rounds.
“Every team dances in the first round and then they take the top six scores and the top six teams get to dance again in the finals,” Dickinson said.
The team has a huge support system including coaches, teammates, parents and more.
“It takes an army to make this happen, so I would like to thank everyone who contributes to making our dance team able to do what we do,” Lewis said.
Lewis said she loved her experience on the dance team. She said she loves how inspiring all of her teammates are and how encouraging they are for her pursuing her passion in dance.
“I don’t think people realize how beautiful of an art form dance is,” Lewis said. “It’s a very physical sport but it’s also beautiful that you’re able to express your emotions through your movements, which is probably my favorite part about dance.”
