Championship Season: An Insider’s Perspective
8 Questions with Caroline Christensen (Part 1)
Ready to get into the mind of a habitual champion? We couldn’t think of a better way to kick off our “8 Questions…” series. Here’s former Crystal Lake Central Dance Team coach Caroline Christensen’s thoughts on winning the IHSA’s first-ever dance championship.
Q1) What’s it like to be the first state champions in IHSA’s inaugural competitive dance season?
It’s still unbelievable. There were so many emotions, struggles, obstacles, challenges, changes, as well as lots of excitement throughout the entire season. To reach our ultimate goal seems like a miracle.
Q2) After you held tryouts last August, did you already have the sense that this team would contend for a title, or was it more of a blank slate and you weren’t sure?
Since we were one of the only districts that forced us to have tryouts in August and after losing 7 amazing seniors from the previous season, I have to admit that I was nervous. However, I was hopeful and inspired to make the team the best they could be even with a shortened season. About 5 months were cut off our dance season compared to years in the past.
Q3) What was it like learning and adjusting to the expectations of IHSA judges, and how did you bridge the gap from being successful in TDI to winning in IHSA?
After my assistant coach, Brittany Handley, and I went to the IHSA Cheer & Dance Coaching Conference, we were taught some of the ins and outs of what IHSA expected to see in a routine. It was still difficult since any style of dance was going to be judged on the same rubric. It wasn’t until after the first competition we really started bridging the gap. We received last place at the Stevenson invitational with a score of 30! This was a complete shock to us. The music and routine was not what I had envisioned, so I called you (Norm) up and discussed what we wanted to change. Within one week we had new music with voiceovers from my girls at practice. We choreographed a new routine in 4 days, and the girls learned and drilled it within 5 days before they performed at the Winter Meltdown at the Sears Centre. Our score increased about 50 points and we received 2nd place. From then on we knew we were on the right path.
Q4) This championship is obviously special because you’ve made history as the first IHSA 2A title winners. But how special is it to have won in a cross-category style of competition?
It feels very special that our style of Pom won the 2A title. I am so glad that the spectators and the IHSA judges appreciated our creativity and athleticism. However, there were so many amazing routines and dancers, I would have a hard time comparing the dances myself since they’re all so unique.
Q5) Last year, we really pushed the envelope by doing a routine about a competitive dance season! This time, we went with something more normal (a rock concert). What do you think made this routine stand out from the crowd?
I still think this routine was pretty creative and similar to our routines in the past with a storyline and voiceovers. I think what makes our team stand out is how we utilize our poms. We try to think outside the box to have good color work, difficult pom tosses, and pom pictures. What most people remembered from the routine this year was our “solo” section when the lead singer introduced the band – guitar, drums, and keyboard. That section took lots of thought to put together, but I’m happy with how it turned out.
Q6) Did you create and choreograph this routine based on your team’s skills and strengths, or was the approach more like coming up with a vision and then relying on your team’s talent to make it happen on the dance floor?
I had a vision over the summer about putting on a concert. Once I was able to see the talent level at tryouts and what skills the girls could or couldn’t do, it helped me establish the outline for the routine.
Q7) Can you describe what it was like to receive your trophy and medals on stage at state–and how cool it was to get the same awards ceremony as other IHSA sports?
I wasn’t aware of the stage or how huge the trophy was until we got to State. It was certainly a great surprise that made the experience even more special. I like how they announced each team member’s name and individually put a medal around their necks. IHSA was very professional and organized with that whole process. I will remember that moment for the rest of my life and I know my girls will as well.
Q8) With CLC’s title streak remaining unbroken, even after switching to IHSA, would it be fair to say that this dance team is the best in the state?
There are so many amazing teams in the state of Illinois. It’s incredible to see the dance world change over time. I remember being in elementary and middle school and watching hours of routines at competitions and state since my older sister, Julie, was on CLC Tiger Poms from 1999-2001. I think Crystal Lake Central has a very successful program year after year, but I cannot say we are necessarily the best. We work very hard and pass on a passion that cannot be taught. I hope the CLCDT continues to grow. I am confident that the new coach, who was also an alumni tiger pom and good friend, will bring out the very best from the team. I cannot wait to visit and watch the performances next season!