Dance Team Set to Compete at State
DES MOINES, Iowa – Dancers from across the state will take the floor at Wells Fargo Arena Nov.30-Dec. 2 for the country's largest high school dance team competition.
The 47th annual Iowa High School and College State Dance Team Championship will feature 26 college teams and 255 high school teams. Nearly 620 routines plus 921 solos will make up 36 hours of competition. Teams and soloists earn points for choreography, execution, difficulty and showmanship. While team competition takes place in Wells Fargo Arena, soloists will perform in Hy-Vee Hall.
"This is our biggest competition yet," said Dana. "Dance is an ever-growing sport and Iowa dance athletes are coming out in full force."
Team competition categories include pom, hip hop, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, military, kick, hoopla, light, novelty, prop, color guard, all male, co-ed, and show production. Teams and soloists are divided into classes based on school enrollment. Routines are evaluated and judged by industry professionals from all corners of the United States.
The ADM Dance Team heads to Wells Fargo Arena and HyVee Hall for the State Competition on December 2nd. They perform their Hoopla routine at 9:37 AM and Jazz routine at 4:16 PM in Wells Fargo Arena. Awards begin at 8:15 PM.
The time it takes to prepare a routine is mind boggling. The ADM Dance Team began preparing in August for team routines. Junior, Paisley Sutton comments, "The team has been putting in extra time as our final push to State Dance! From morning practices, to staying 30 minutes past, and even attending critiques." Numerous hours are put in to clean each routine. The ADM Dance Team has invited guests to practice assisting with the process too.
The 2022-2023 ADM Dance Team consists of 15 dancers. Juniors: Eliana Dohlman, Esha Rahman, Paisley Sutton, Lenaya Sams, Reagan Wosmansky, Selah Wilcox. Sophomores: Addy Reynolds, Hailey Johnson, Katie Oliver, Madi Wicks. Freshman: Abby Long, Aubree Timmer, Genevieve Book, Isabelle Karwal, Jordan Crannell. The team is coach by Jana Morrissey and Brylie Huddleson. Morrissey is in her third season as head coach and was joined by Huddleson this fall.
Genevieve Book is a freshman on the dance team and will be performing in hoopla, jazz, and a solo for the first time this year. "I'm looking forward to bonding with my teammates. I really enjoy all of my teammates and can't wait to share this experience with them." Book said.
Aside from team routines, ADM will compete six solos in class IX Dance. Soloists Paisley Sutton, Selah Wilcox, Elaina Dohlman, Genevieve Book, Katie Oliver, and Addy Reynolds will perform from 1:20-1:40 PM in HyVee Hall C. Division 1 awards are announce at 5:30 PM and the top 10 placements will be announced at 8:15 PM.
Sophomore Addy Reynolds has prepared her own solo for State Dance. She practices every week at home, in the studio, and in the gym in order to prepare for State Dance. The pressure of choreographing your own solo can be challenging. It takes true courage, dedication, and confidence to perform a solo at the state level. Reynolds comments, "I'm definitely nervous, but at the same time it wis super rewarding once you walk off the stage!"
"This team has put in countless hours preparing two routines and six solos on top of performing at football games, their schoolwork, and other activities," said Head Coach Jana Morrissey. "The team has seen exponential improvements over the last few weeks and there's more yet to come. I can't wait to see the hard work pay off."
Entry fee for spectators is $15/person. Suite packages are also available for attendees looking to watch the competition in style and comfort. Tickets to attend in person and live stream access are available to pre-purchase; information is posted at www.isdtalive.com. Dance team participants and fans can also purchase apparel, merchandise, and digital files on the website.
Established in 1976, the Iowa State Dance/Drill Team Association advocates for the sports of dance, drill team and color guard. As a valued leader in the sport of dance, ISDTA cultivates student growth in the art and athleticism of dance. For more information and to see a list of upcoming events, visit www.isdta.net.