The Troy Dance Team will advance to the 2022 IDTA State Finals in February, after qualifying in three of the four categories in which they competed at January’s regional competition held at Clinton High School.
The team’s Hip Hop routine took first place; its Pom Dance took second place; and its Jazz routine tied for second place. Its Lyrical routine took fourth place.
Eighth grader Ava Laurendi earned a Rising Star Award for her performance. The award is based on showmanship, execution and enthusiasm and is selected by the head judge.
Coaches are Trisha Koerner and Christine Thoele.
“We set our goals at the beginning of our season,” Koerner said. “Heading to the IDTA State Finals is always at the top of the list. After not qualifying at our first regional competition, we had a stronger drive to reach that goal. The dancers worked tirelessly over winter break using the judges' critiques to make improvements to our dances. We are so proud of their dedication and hard work.”
“It was a tough competition in all four categories,” Thoele said, “and we could not be more proud of the dancers' tenacity, positive attitudes and teamwork. These girls truly left it all on the floor. After not qualifying in any of our dances at our first competition, happy tears were shed by all as we qualified for Jazz, Lyrical and Hip Hop. We can't wait to lead them to State in February.”
Troy Dance Team members are eighth graders Ava Laurendi, Lilly Lesnik, Haley Picco, 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.
The team’s choreographers were Troy Community School District 30-C graduates. Jenna Hoffman choreographed hip hop, jazz and lyrical; and Cailey Koerner choreographed Pom dance. The music arrangement was by Kevin Ivins, from Chapman University.
The IDTA State Finals will be held in Springfield on February 12.
