Schools
UCS teams capture top spots in national dance competition
All UCS teams participate in national competition
To the chants of “UCS” “UCS,” teams from all four high schools came together to represent their community at the National Dance Competition Orlando, Florida.
And when the tournament ended, district teams had captured seven top awards to put UCS squarely on the national map.
Senior Madalyn Dishman, of Utica High School, said the convergence of UCS teams came from through hard work and support.
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“It shows that we can accomplish anything we put our minds to,” she said.
“We never see each other as competitors but as sisters,” said Stevenson coach Jenelle Dubey. “We will celebrate their victories just as much as our own and we are so lucky to have that comradery.”
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Teams perform for two-minutes and are evaluated on skill, technique, choreography, executive, performance quality and overall impression.
For the third year in a row, the Eisenhower team earned double titles. The teams placed first in medium hip hop and medium jazz.
The team also recently went to Worlds dance competition as the youngest team USA ever receiving the bronze and silver medal.
“I am so proud of these athletes and everything Eisenhower dance program stands for,” said Eisenhower Coach Rachelle Kiehle. “I am humbled and honored to be their coach.”
In addition, the Utica High School teams placed eighth in the jazz competition and 12th in the small pom. The team is coached by Katie Droope and Carly Backhus.
The Stevenson High School team placed 7th in Game Day, 8th in medium jazz and 7th in medium pom.
The Henry Ford II team placed 17th on Game Day. The team is coached by Kaley Ball.
UCS teams practice for the competition weekly from mid-summer to the January national tournament.
“All of us worked so hard to get to where we are,” said Dishman.
There are more than 40 teams in each division. Teams qualify for the national tournament after earning top ratings at state and regional competitions.
The competition was held Feb. 1 through 3 at Walt Disney Resorts in Orlando, Florida.
Source: Utica Community Schools
Dr. Christine Johns, Superintendent of Schools
