HHS varsity dance team secures bid to NDA Nationals
The Highland High School varsity dance team attended a camp hosted by the National Dance Alliance on July 29 and 30, with the goal of securing a bid for the NDA Nationals, which will be held in Orlando, Fla., Feb. 26-28, 2016.
After learning a required routine and putting in a late-night practice to polish the dance, the HHS varsity dance team members won the coveted bid to Nationals.
The ladies also learned two more routines, one of which they were evaluated on as individuals. All 15 team members received a Superior blue ribbon for their individual performance of a jazz routine. Team members also spent time in classes learning helpful information on conditioning and flexibility, as well as partner stunting.
Team members Ally Becker, Kelsey Lane, Abigail Rogier and McKenzie Rosen were chosen as All-Americans, which was awarded to them based on a dance tryout and also based on leadership, showmanship, spirit and technique.
The 2015-16 HHS varsity dance team, which is coached by Deets and Emily Wellen, includes (in alphabetical order) Ally Becker, Kayla Davis, Leslie Drueke, Katie Etter, Paige Foster, Olivia Genteman, Lexy Hagler, Kelsey Lane, Hannah Luitjohan, Raven Miranda, Claire Pabst, Abigail Rogier, McKenzie Rosen, Reagan Thornton and Brooke Wilson.
Team to host raffle
To get to Nationals, the HHS varsity dance team must raise funds to offset the cost of competition fees and travel. In order to do so, the team is sponsoring its second annual cash raffle.
For a $20 donation, people have the opportunity to win a payout. There will be 16 weekly winners of $25, four monthly winners or $100, and one grand prize of $500. The drawings will be held September through December. In addition, two early bird payouts of $100 will be drawn at the Red/Black football scrimmage game on Aug. 21.
To purchase a ticket, contact coach Michelle Deets at mdeets@highlandcusd5.org.
This story was originally published August 12, 2015 at 5:00 AM with the headline "HHS varsity dance team secures bid to NDA Nationals."