The dance team placed sixth at Sectionals on January 30 and furthered their journey to State.

“Hearing our names be called would have had to be the most exciting, happy, and best thing ever. Looking at the team jumping and screaming with happy tears in everyone’s eyes was the best experience ever,” said senior dancer Taylor Knight

Although Coach Keeley Thode was not able to attend the announcement of the girls going to State, she was still in complete shock.

“Unfortunately, my grandmother passed away, and I was not able to be at awards when the team found out that they advanced to State. They team FaceTimed me, and I was in complete shock. I was overcome with emotions. I was so proud of my team,” Thode said.

The state performance was held at U.S. Cellular Coliseum in Bloomington, IL. The dance team performed in the evening on the first day of competition

“I am always a nervous wreck watching my girls perform. As a coach, you see all the work that goes into a three minute performance and you want them to succeed. I was overcome with joy as I watched the girls perform at State with tears in my eyes,” Thode said.

The team is always working hard during every practice and every performance. They practice every night after school and perform at boys and girls basketball games.

“Our routine this year is pom. It’s all about being sharp and having energy. Last year’s was jazz, which is all about being sassy and loose with your moves. We’re more of a poms team than a jazz team. We love pom because that is our strong suit,” McGregor said.

Overall, the experience was beneficial to the team. The girls tried their hardest and put their all into the performance.

“For the State finals, we did not advance to the second day. In order to advance to the State finals on the second day, you had to place top ten. Although we wanted to advance to the second day, my girls held their heads high and were grateful for the experience to perform at State,” Thode said.