HHS, HMS dance teams shine at IDTA Highland Regional
The Highland High School and Highland Middle School dance teams had big days at the Illinois Drill Team Association Highland Regional Competition Saturday at HHS.
The HHS dance team swept all three categories it competed in after winning first place in Lyrical, Jazz and Pom Dance categories.
The team will be competing with these three routines at the IDTA State Competition this coming weekend in Springfield at the Prairie State Capital Convention Center.
McKenzie Rosen also competed in the soloist competition. Out of 15 solo performances, Rosen received first place with a qualifying score of 94.1 out of a possible 100 total points. She will be competing for the title of Miss IDTA, which will be held in conjunction with the state competition this coming weekend.
Abigail Rogier was chosen for the “Rising Star” award from the team’s Lyrical performance. This is presented to performers with outstanding showmanship and who perform with a quality that “outshines” the rest.
The HMS dance team captured first place with both of their Lyrical and Pom Dance routines, while the Lady Bullpups also took second in the Jazz category.
The HMS squad will also be competing with these three routines this coming Saturday.
“The IDTA State Competition is the final culmination to a season that has been exciting for both of the teams and their fans,” said HHS dance coach and program founder Michelle Deets. “This week the teams will be working to fine-tune choreography, the execution of that choreography, and the performance quality of their routines. I am so proud of both teams accomplishments so far this year.”
The HHS dance team, which is coached by Deets and Emily Wellen, features 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.
The HMS squad, which is coached by Erin Cotto, consists of Tegan Beard, Madysen Castile, Paige Crawford, Kate Drueke, Bree Etherton, Alexis Finley, Lily Jakel, Kylie McFarland, Abbey Mortland, Shelby Stallard, Riley Stewart and Tatum Stock.
This story was originally published February 8, 2016 at 7:45 AM with the headline "HHS, HMS dance teams shine at IDTA Highland Regional."