The Troy Dance Team took 3rd place in the Jazz Division of this year’s Illinois Drill Team Association’s State Competition held in Springfield in February.
The team also excelled in Hip Hop and Pom Dance and earned 4th place overall out of 23 teams.
Troy Dance Team members are eighth graders Ava Laurendi, Lilly Lesnik, Michayla Rhymes, Sydney Sleyko, Kathen Stonitsch and Olivia Thoele; seventh grader members are Natalee Blenck, Abbey Potter, Kayli Rieuf and Emily Sanchez; sixth grader members are Malorie Boyer, Lexi Crandall, Hailee Kulikowski, Yuliana Patino and Bella Wieher; and Cassidy Koerner is a fifth grade team member.
When the Troy Community School District 30-C school board recognized the team at its February meeting, School Board President Mark Griglione reminded those present that there were only a handful of Illinois middle schools that have dance teams. He said he was proud that Troy was one that not only offers the opportunity, but has a team that scores high in the state competitions.
Coaches are Trisha Koerner and Christine Thoele.
“Something we did well all year long was coming together to achieve our goals,” Koerner said. “Our 8th grade girls demonstrated leadership and really helped with getting us ready to take the floor at state. This year we opened up our program to add 5th and 6th graders, and they have been an amazing addition to the team. Overall, our team was made of 16 amazing girls that each had a leadership role throughout the season. Each one of them was a perfect match to the end puzzle of taking 3rd place in jazz and 4th place overall.
“Our Dance Team parents also went above and beyond, cheering and greeting us as we got on the bus. It was great to be back on the state floor after our year off due to Covid. Being part of the IDTA State Finals is an experience the girls will never forget.”
Troy Director of Student Athletics and Activities Meagan DeGroot said the team went above and beyond this year with morning and afternoon practices, all while having a combined grade point average of 3.86.
“They excelled on the court and in academics,” she said, “and I am extremely proud of their accomplishments.”
The team’s choreographers were Troy Community School District 30-C graduates. Jenna Hoffman choreographed Hip Hop and Jazz, and Cailey Koerner choreographed Pom Dance. The music arrangement was by Kevin Ivins, from Chapman University.
