This is the moment every dancer in Idaho has been waiting for. Dancers from all around the state worked so hard during their season to leave it all out on the dance floor. The dance competition, State, was held on March 1, at the Idaho Ford Center. Even though Eagle High didn’t get the result they were hoping for, with a second-place finish, that’s not what being on the Eagle Lightning Dance Team means to them.
“This dance team is the most hardworking, humble and kind group of girls that doesn’t let a placement define them. Just because they didn’t get the state title does not mean they didn’t leave their mark,” said coach Jillia Romano
The dance team performed four routines: Military, Hip Hop, Kick and Dance. All their dances were unforgettable performances. Everyone in the crowd was really amazed by their performances in Military and Dance, receiving first place in both categories. Just because they didn’t get first place in Hip Hop and Kick does not mean they weren’t proud of themselves. They placed second in those dances. They ended up tying with the Owyhee Dance Team, each team getting two firsts and two seconds. Even in raw score (technical points) it was the exact same score.
The crowd tensed up as they waited to hear who the state champs were. This was the closest state in history. As the results were said, the crowd had an audible sigh. The Eagle Lightning Dance Team was announced as the state runner ups. The team was still proud of themselves for their accomplishments.
“Even though we have pushed through so many adversities this year, we were able to compete against teams who have been doing double the practices and still came out as one of the top teams in the state,” said junior Hailee Simpson.
Head coach Christna Shell and assistant coaches Delaney Schow and Jillia Romano really worked to pull this team together.
“The team would not be where they are without them. They are the most dedicated, kind and hardworking coaches that only want what’s best for this team. Being a first-year coach for a new team is really hard but they took this program and made it into something special,” said Brooklyn Price.
“I was hesitant about coming back into the high school coaching world, but this group of girls make it so easy for how hard they work,” Shell said.
This is not the end of the Eagle Lightning Dance Teams season. They are going to California March 19 through March 24 for Nationals. Very strong teams will be attending nationals, but the dance team has worked really hard all year for this and hope to bring home a national title.
