The Xavier Dance Team spends many hours preparing for competition. They say that this traditon of hard work is the key to their success at State. On December 1-2, the team competed at the ISDTA State Dance Team Championships, where they placed first in the class XII Pom category and third in the class III Contemporary category. Last year the dance team placed first in the class XI Pom category, making this their second consecutive pom championship. The Contemporary category made its debut at state this year, which members claim makes their placement impressive as well.

“It was something very special to win state! The state competition is always very difficult, as the state of Iowa has a lot of talented dance teams,” senior Caroline Richardson said. “We are a very small, young team this year, and winning state was always a very large goal that we had. Watching my team accomplish that goal was so rewarding and something I will never forget.”

The dance team attributes much of their success to their rigorous practice schedule. They practice every day after school for two hours, and occasionally have additional practices on the weekends to clean their routines.

“A ton of practice and preparation goes into the routines we compete in,” Richardson said. “It’s really hard work, but it is definitely worth it.”

In addition to hard work, the members of the dance team claim that leadership is very important to success. Fortunately, the Xavier Dance Team is very strong in that regard.

“Our seniors help us so much,” sophomore Michele Barnum said. “They knew from the beginning they wanted to win and stepped up to the plate to make that happen.”

Despite all of their success, what the members of the dance team value most is each other.

“My favorite part of dance team is my team,” Richardson said. “Our season is unique because we are in season almost year round, so the bond we form as a team is really strong. It’s really cool how I am able to do my favorite thing with an awesome group of girls all while representing our school.”

The Xavier Dance Team competes next at Regionals  on January 6 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Keaton Maier 

A&E Editor