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For the first time in school history, both the jazz and high kick dance teams are going to the state tournament in back-to-back years.

The Wildcats finished in third place in both events in  the Section 2AA competition held at Bloomington Kennedy High School on Saturday, February 11.

“This group of dancers has been very connected from the start. They feed off of one another's energy, and push each other further on and off the floor,” Assistant Coach Carolee Blegen said after the great accomplishment. “They truly bonded quicker than any team we've ever seen. They want to do it not only for themselves but for the teammate turning next to them in Jazz or linking with them in Kick. They care so deeply for one another and I think that has helped them be successful this season. When changes needed to be made throughout the season whether to choreography or formations, they took them on without reservations and have since executed as a unit perfectly!”

The ‘Cats got high marks in many of the categories, and that put them in the company of the top two teams in both categories, private schools Benilde-St. Margaret’s and Totino-Grace.

Blegen noted the six seniors who have led the team this year for their passion and dedication to the program. “This season we have six wonderful seniors, Reagan Lyons, Maliea Harbison, Maddie Nase, Holly Odland, Emma Olson, and Haley Overgaard who have stepped into their leadership roles with grace. They have helped motivate their teammates throughout, have taken our varsity rookies under their wings, and helped them be successful in their first varsity season,” she said. “These six will be greatly missed as they are all strong dancers who have made up a portion of our varsity Jazz and Kick teams for the last three years aiding us in advancing to the state tournament this year and last. In addition to our seniors, junior Adilynn Berner has been a huge asset in the choreography portion of our sport. Dedicating many hours with senior Reagan Lyons right by her side to make this year's Jazz dance the caliber that it is! Choreography for both dances were created by our team and continuously evolves because of them. These dances truly reflect the abilities of our entire team!”

The competition at the state tournament will be stiff, but the ‘Cats will be up to the task. The meet will begin on Friday, February 17 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, with Class AA Jazz qulaifying comeptition from 2-4:15 p.m. Finals for Class AA will be at 7:15 p.m.

The same schedule will be followed on Saturday for the high kick competiton with Class AA taking the floor at 2 p.m. and potentially at 7:15 p.m. for finals if the ‘Cats make it.

Blegen is expecting the girls to seize the moment and shine on the big stage. “This team is very connected and we don't think they are done giving all they have to give just yet,” she said. “Their consistency and timing are only becoming more dialed in as we prepare for the state tournament. We anticipate seeing our highest scores of the season in both categories of Jazz and Kick. Competing against the best of the best in class AA both categories are going to be a fight to finals with many teams including ourselves scoring close to one another throughout the season and we don't see that being any different at the Target Center.”

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