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JULIETTE ABERNATHY
Chester Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: I have been a member of the CHS Dance Team for four years.
Favorite memory of being on your team? Qualifying for IDTA State my junior year.
Favorite skill to perform? Firebird
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? A la secondes
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Pom
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Jazz and hip hop
Stuff you do when not dancing: I enjoy working out and spending time with friends and family.
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? I would like to thank my coach Adrianne Kern for dedicating her time to the CHS Dance Team for all four years I have been a member of the team.
Coach notes: Juliette is a talented and committed dance team member. She has a high level of technique and is a strong leader. Juliette has competed on three competition teams and a State qualifying team. She served as team captain in the 2020-2021 season.
KATIE ALLEN
Hinsdale South Danceline / SR.
Years dancing: 7
Favorite memory of being on your team? My favorite memory of being on the team was winning sectionals in 2020! It was such a surreal moment for not only me, but my teammates as well because all of our hard work paid off!
Favorite skill to perform? Headspring
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Getting my aerial required a lot of work and determination!
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Pom-Dance
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Lyrical
Stuff you do when not dancing: When I’m not dancing I like to hang out with my family and friends. I also like to focus on schoolwork because grades always come first.
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? Studio: Performing Arts Dance Studio
Coaches: Coach Gillette, Mrs. McGannon, Mrs. Taake
Supporters: My family and teammates!
Coach notes: Katie has the determination and work ethic that every coach dreams of! Always trying a new skill, drilling it and giving 110% till she masters it (and kills it on the dance floor)!
SCHELBY ANNEGERS
Illini West Chargettes Dance Team / JR.
Coach notes: Has a lot of promise for the team and continues to grow each year. Her flexibility is great and her determination is great!
JANEENE ATIENZA
Elgin Dance Team / SR.
Coach notes: Janeene came onto the team and truly inspired both her coaches and her teammates. Janeene was a strong dancer and a strong leader this season and deserves to be recognized for her dedication to the team.
ABBY BAASCH
Streamwood Sabrettes Dance Team / JR.
Years dancing: 14
Favorite memory of being on your team? Making new friends and making it to state for the first time with all of them
Favorite skill to perform? Seconds into an aerial
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? 8 pirouettes
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Jazz, lyrical, and tap
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Hip hop and lyrical
Stuff you do when not dancing: Go to the gym
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? Jagged Edge Dance Academy and my teachers Kimmy and Lisa Pendzimaz. And my coach this year, Coach Schraft
Coach notes: Abby is a serious dancer, and seriously fun to be around. Her presence was integral to our growth as a team this past season. Abby uses her training and knowledge of dance to create innovative solutions when choreo doesn’t seem to be working. She provides the team helpful, constructive tips to improve our technique and learn new skills. Abby does all of the above while keeping the team laughing along the way. She is our front runner for team leadership next year!
JADE BAKER
Bishop McNamara Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 4
Favorite memory of being on your team? Winning state 2 times
Favorite skill to perform? Headspring
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Standing headspring
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Hip hop
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Hip hop
Stuff you do when not dancing: Work
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? Coach Courtney and Coach Megan
Coach notes: Jade is a great leader for our team. She comes up with great choreo, keeps the team motivated and always gives her all.
TRISTAN BAKER
Plainfield North Dance Team / JR.
Years dancing: I have been dancing for 15 years.
Favorite memory of being on your team? My favorite memory of being on the Plainfield North’s Dance Team is all the fun we had prepping to go to state my freshman year. It was so rewarding performing on the state floor and watching all the other amazing teams perform.
Favorite skill to perform? My favorite skill to perform is any kind of leg extensions.
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? A skill I had to work extra hard to get is my aerial because I started later with my tumbling training.
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? My favorite style of dance to perform is contemporary.
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? My favorite style of dance to watch is hip hop.
Stuff you do when not dancing: When I’m not dancing I like spending time with my friends and going to the gym to workout.
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? The teachers that have had the greatest influence on my dance career are my coach, Callie Gliwa, and the director of The Academy of Dance Arts, Ricky Ruiz. Of course none of this would have been possible without the support of my mom.
Coach notes: Her technique and precision is spot-on. Tristan has great control and strength throughout all of her movement.
OLIVIA BAUER
York Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 13
Favorite memory of being on your team? Having the best time performing at football games and getting ready as a team.
Favorite skill to perform? Turns
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? A headspring
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Jazz
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Contemporary
Stuff you do when not dancing: Baking, babysitting
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? I’d like to thank all the teachers at my studio, Dance Xplosion, and of course my amazing coaches: Alyssa Ortiz and Lauren Caputo.
Coach notes: As a 4-year pom member and 2-year varsity member and current captain Olivia has always shown that hard work = perseverance .
TEGAN BEARD
Highland Varsity Dance Team / SR.
Coach notes: Tegan began dancing at age 3 and competing at age 5. She continued to dance throughout her childhood and joined the HHS dance team her freshman year. She is an IDTA Grand Champion (2019), a 2-time IHSA Sectional Champion and a Class 1A IHSA Runner up (2021). Tegan was a captain of the HHS Varsity dance team this year and helped lead the team to a 2nd place finish at IHSA. Tegan is also a FLY Girl ambassador. The program embraces young woman while giving back to the community. Tegan is also a member of Highland’s yearbook club and Spanish club. Tegan plans to attend Illinois State University in the fall majoring in business.
TESS BEBAR
Joliet Catholic Academy Dance Team / FR.
Years dancing: 13
Favorite memory of being on your team? Bike rides, team bonding
Favorite skill to perform? Jumps / aerial
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Seconds
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Contemporary
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Hip hop
Stuff you do when not dancing: Hang out with friends, do my homework
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? Encore Dance Productions, Paige Gliwa
Coach notes: Tess is a powerhouse! This athlete gives her all every practice: emotionally, physically, and mentally! If you were to ask this dancer if something is possible including a trick, skill, or movement pattern, she would tell you anything was! We are lucky to have this athlete on our team!
NICOLETTE BERNARDI
Willowbrook Varsity Dance Team / JR.
Years dancing: I’ve been dancing for almost 15 years
Favorite memory of being on your team? My favorite memory is going to state my freshman year with all of my teammates. We all had so much fun and I loved performing on the floor!
Favorite skill to perform? Turns
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Leg extensions
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Contemporary or hip hop
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? All
Stuff you do when not dancing: I love working out and being with my friends
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? I came from the studio Dance Xplosion
Coach notes: Nicolette is the type of athlete that all coaches hope for; she is talented, dedicated and hard-working. She has been dancing since the age of 3 and started dancing competitively at 4. She is a three-year member of the WB Varsity Dance team and has choreographed our last three competition routines, and two of the three dances competed at State. She spends countless hours creating routines that bring out the best in her teammates and is patient and motivating when teaching. Nicolette thrives on the dance floor and excels in all styles of dance. She is not only a skilled and technical dancer, but a true performer that is always pushing her teammates to be the best that they can be. She was named athlete of the week this year due to her leadership and commitment to our Dance Team. She holds the standards of a student-athlete high and excels in and outside of the classroom.
MARIAM BETYO
Niles North Dance Team / JR.
Coach notes: Mariam is truly every coach’s dream. Her positivity and work ethic are infectious!
LILY BICKLEY
Sycamore Spartanettes Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 12 years
Favorite memory of being on your team? Getting through the challenges this year with my team.
Favorite skill to perform? Tilt
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Second turns
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Lyrical or jazz
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Hip hop
Stuff you do when not dancing: Hang with friends
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? My parents and my coaches
Coach notes: Lily is a powerhouse. She is a strong dancer with emotion that we only wish the whole team showed when they danced! She is a true performer. Lily has a smile that lights up a room and can easily put her teammates’ anxieties about routines to rest. She is a positive and uplifting spirit!
EMMA BOGDANOV
Glenbard South Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 15 years
Favorite memory of being on your team? Making school history by going to state!!
Favorite skill to perform? Any turns in second or calypsos
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? My aerial
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Contemporary
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Jazz
Stuff you do when not dancing: Hanging out with friends and watching Netflix!
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today Coach Haley and Coach Lakin
Coach notes: Emma is fully deserving of being an 8CA All-State Athlete because of her dedication, leadership and breathtaking talent. For any team, this has been one of the most difficult seasons. Emma gracefully guided our team through it all. She encouraged our athletes to remain dedicated during dark times and always pushed them to be the best versions of themselves. Our season started with 6 seniors and Emma was one of the 2 that remained in the end. Her resiliency and dedication to the sport of dance is admirable and I believe after a season like this her leadership deserves to be celebrated in the highest form
EMMA BOUNPHITHACK
Harlem Varsity Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 7
Favorite memory of being on your team? Being together almost everyday during long practices, and winning our conference competition!
Favorite skill to perform? Second turns
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Front aerial
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Contemporary
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Jazz and lyrical
Stuff you do when not dancing:I love to take and edit pictures when I’m not dancing
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? Since I started dance at a later age ALL my coaches have helped me tremendously. All of them have given me so many opportunities to grow and learn as a dancer and as a person. They’re always there for me when I’m having a bad day or when I just need someone to talk to. I would have never been the dancer I am today without them. Thank you Summer, Chelsea, Madison, and Cassie.
Coach notes: Emma is a very well-rounded dancer who takes on any challenge given to her. With only starting dance about 5 years ago her skill set and dance capabilities have improved tremendously.
ABIGAIL BRANDA
Jones College Prep Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 15
Favorite memory of being on your team? Last year my team went to state for the first time and I’ll never forget how excited we all were when our name was called at sectionals. I couldn’t stop smiling the whole bus ride home.
Favorite skill to perform? Any headstand combination
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? No-handed snapback
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Hip hop
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Jazz
Stuff you do when not dancing: I love to bake, I volunteer at a local community center, and I spend a lot of time reading and watching tv
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? My dance coach Jazmyne
Coach notes: Abbie is known for her amazing technique and flexibility! She’s such a well rounded dancer and the team spirit that motivates everyone to keep working hard.
CANA BROOKS
Normal University Dance Team / SO.
Years dancing: 6 off and on
Favorite skill to perform? Any type of leap or jump
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? My double pirouette.
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Jazz
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Hip hop
Stuff you do when not dancing: Tennis, marching band, concert band, track, Secretary of my school’s Black Student Union and I do charity work with my own charity, Cana Cares.
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? My mom and my dad are my biggest supporters
Coach notes: She has been such a help this year. She has become such a great leader helping the other dancers and myself as a new coach. She is willing to try new moves and push herself every practice. She is an asset to the team and has been a tremendous help as this year was a challenge for us all.
GABBY BROWN
Batavia Dance Team / SR.
Coach notes: I knew from my experience having Gabby as a Dance Physical Education Leader that she would be an amazing member for the dance team by the respectful manner in which she conducted herself with me and her peers. She was able to carry this over to our team by sharing her kindness and passion for dance. Even though she has only been on the Batavia Dance Team for two years, her dance skills, creative choreography and leadership skills have made a huge impact on our team’s success. She was selected to be a captain this year and I could not be more proud of my selection. Gabby has led her team through challenging times with grace and determination. It has been my pleasure to coach such a talented young lady that has the grace and poise beyond her years. I truly believe there are very few captains I have had from my long coaching career who could have handled the many ups and downs of this Covid year. Gabby and her other captain always were thinking outside of the box on how to make this a great year for their teammates with very little concern for themselves. Her maturity has been a Godsend for me as a coach and I am very thankful for having these very short 2 years with Gabby.
NINA BRUCCI
IC Catholic Prep Lady Knights Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: I have been dancing since age 7, did competitive team for 7 years, and 4 years on my high school dance team.
Favorite memory of being on your team? My favorite memories from being on my team are going to State with my best friends, performing at Friday night football games and basketball games!
Favorite skill to perform? My favorite skill is a calypso.
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? A skill I had to work extra hard to get were my second and changing spot turns.
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? My favorite styles of dance to perform are pom and jazz.
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? My favorite styles to watch are jazz and lyrical.
Stuff you do when not dancing: When I am not dancing I hang out with my friends and family, go shopping, watch Netflix, listen to music, and go to Starbucks.
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? My mom and dad, all of my family and friends, my high school dance coach–Coach Caputo, my dance studio–Steppin’ Out at Deforest Dance (SODC) all helped me get to where I am today.
Coach notes: As a four-year member and current captain of the team, she has been a light for this team!
LINDSEY BRUNEMAN
Bartlett Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 15
Favorite memory of being on your team? My favorite memory from dance team would have to either be going to Disney for nationals or any Friday night football game!
Favorite skill to perform? My favorite skill to perform is a firebird!
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? I’ve always had to push myself to perform turns well, especially longer sequences that require lots of strength and stamina!
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? My favorite style of dance to perform is contemporary!
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? My favorite style of dance to watch is hip hop!
Stuff you do when not dancing: When not dancing, I’m normally grabbing an iced coffee with friends or watching Netlfix!
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? All of my dance teachers and coach have definitely gotten me to where I am today, both in dance and life. They have always pushed me mentally and physically to fulfill my potential and I thank them for that!
Coach notes: Besides being an excellent dancer, Lindsey connects to her team members and is great at motivating them to become stronger athletes. She has also been on the varsity team all four years and is current captain.
VICTORIA BUCH
Ridgewood Dance Team / SO.
Years dancing: 11 years
Favorite memory of being on your team? Football games were always the best. We would do a team bonding activity beforehand and then just as we were about to get onto the field we would hype each other up.
Favorite skill to perform? Kip-up, turns
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? My kip-up
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Hip hop
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Jazz/lyrical, hip hop
Stuff you do when not dancing: I hang out with my friends or watch a show/movie
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? ABC Dance Academy helped me become more confident in my dancing. My current coach, Mrs. England, taught me new skills and helped perfect my technique.
Coach notes: Victoria is one of the captains on the dance team. Even during her sophomore year on the team, I saw her show leadership skills that far surpassed most athletes her age. Victoria has a unique choreography style and is not afraid to speak up when she has questions or concerns both inside and outside of practice.
ALEXIS BURNS
Peotone Dance Team / JR.
Years dancing: 4 years
Favorite memory of being on your team? My favorite memory with my team was the 2019/2020 parade. We were all listening to music and just have an amazing time.
Favorite skill to perform? A tilt jump
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? A la seconde turn
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Jazz
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Lyrical
Stuff you do when not dancing: I like to read and hang out with my friends.
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? My friend’s freshmen year at Lincoln-Way East got me into dance, so I really have to thank her.
Coach notes: A leader in the making and has a passion for dance.
DELANEY CARROLL
IC Catholic Prep Lady Knights Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 4
Favorite memory of being on your team? My favorite memories of being on the team are becoming best friends with my teammates over the years, our dance parties on the bus ride to competitions, and team dinners before football.
Favorite skill to perform? My kip-up into a front walkover
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? My headspring and kip-up!
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Jazz
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Hip hop
Stuff you do when not dancing: Outside of dance, I am also a member of student council for my school, I volunteer at my local hospital, and I love to hang out with friends and family.
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? I would like to thank my coach, Coach Caputo, for her constant support and encouragement throughout my high school career. Also, I want to thank my friends and family for always cheering me on and being my biggest supporters.
Coach notes: As a four-year member of the team and captain she has lead the team with such positivity!
OLIVIA CECOLA
Providence Catholic Poms / SR.
Years dancing: 15
Favorite memory of being on your team? My favorite memory being on my team has definitely been winning state this past season. It was a dream come true and a good way to end such a crazy season.
Favorite skill to perform? Leaps and extensions
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Yes, there have been a few skills I have had to work hard to get but with the help of my coach and teammates they helped me along the way.
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Hip hop
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Contemporary
Stuff you do when not dancing: When I am not dancing I am spending time with my family, hanging out with my friends or playing with my dog.
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? BPD Danceforce brought me up as a dancer. The teachers there (Dori Santesiri, Stefany Manis, Malika Jeñe) have really been the ones who challenged me and trusted me at a young age to dance to my fullest potential; I am forever grateful for them. Also, my coaches for high school (Stephanie Coglaniese and Danielle Little) have pushed me and given me opportunities I never knew I would have. Lastly, my family. No matter what, they have stood by my side and given me whatever I needed to succeed. The people who have surrounded me all my life have shaped me into who I am today. Thankful for them<3
Coach notes: Passionate. Best teammate. Calls out all corrections, reminders while dancing. Motivator.
NAXALI CERVANTES
Woodstock Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 3 years
Favorite memory of being on your team? Performing at football games and basketball games
Favorite skill to perform? Toe touches and firebirds
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Calypsos
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Hip hop
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Lyrical
Stuff you do when not dancing: Listening to music or watch anything Marvel-related on YouTube or Disney Plus
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? I’d like to give a huge thank you to my coach, Lauren Mackey. I started dancing just for fun but over time as I’ve gotten to advance in skills by being on this team, it has become a great passion of mine thanks to her. She has also taught me how to not only become a better dancer but also a better person. She saw the potential in me that I didn’t see in myself, from being new to the dance team my sophomore year to now being my team’s captain for my senior year. This shows how she has always pushed me to go over my limit, in a good way. 🙂 Once again, big thank you to my coach. I will miss you and the team so much next year. Let’s go Streaks!
Coach notes: She started as a sophomore on the JV team during our winter competition season. She works so hard and has grown tremendously in her skills and moved up onto the Varsity team for the fall season, continued to grow and was a captain this last year. She is great at choreography and loved watching videos on YouTube and doing their choreography challenges. She has a great attitude and works so hard not only in dance but in everything she does.
SIMONA CHALCAKOVA
Glenbard East Ramettes Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 9
Favorite memory of being on your team? Whether it is performing at football games, basketball games or dancing at competitions, I love dancing alongside my best friends.
Favorite skill to perform? Second turns
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Second turns
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Jazz and lyrical
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Jazz
Stuff you do when not dancing: I love to spend time with my family and friends.
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? All the amazing teachers at LOVV The Dance Studio and Coach Courtney from the GBE dance team.
Coach notes: Simona has been an incredible leader through this entire crazy season. She motivates her teammates both by example and just being herself. She is one of the most talented and dedicated dancers that I have ever had the pleasure to work with.
ANTHONY CHAN
Elgin Dance Team / SR.
Coach notes: Anthony has really stepped up this season to be a leader for the team. Without his enthusiasm and drive our team would have greatly suffered this year. He pushed us to keep going and to be better dancers.
GABRIELA CHMIEL
Argo Varsity Sailorettes / SR.
Years dancing: 6
Favorite memory of being on your team? The adrenaline I felt when we made it to day 2 of state
Favorite skill to perform? Pom tosses
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Pom
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Hip hop
Stuff you do when not dancing: When I am not dancing I like to hang with friends
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? I would like to thank my coach, Dawn Palmer, for pushing me to become a better dancer and performer.
Coach notes: Gabby is a 4-year member of the Sailorettes. She is a captain this year and has been a huge contributor, talented dancer and dedicated member of our team. She has given countless extra hours to the team and is respected by her teammates and coaches. She created videos this summer for the team to learn football performance routines. She also evaluated team member technique via video. Gabby has grown so much as a dancer in the past 4 years and I loved watching her grow into a leader this year.
KAYLA CHRAPKOWSKI
Montini Broncettes Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 14
Favorite memory of being on your team? Placing on podium at State 3 times.
Favorite skill to perform? Aerials, turns, headsprings, switch leaps
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Kip-up
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Contemporary and pom
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Hip hop
Stuff you do when not dancing: Working out, skincare, and journaling
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? I would like to thank my mom, friends, and coaches for always supporting me in everything I do.
Coach notes: Kayla is a 4-year varsity team member. She has participated in choreography and is a senior leader. Kayla is a strong performer who has a background in dance and gymnastics. She is dedicated and as a leader she motivates the team. Kayla pushes herself, always comes prepared and is up for new challenges. She hopes to continue dancing in college.
ANNIKA CHRISTENSON
Metea Valley Varsity Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 13
Favorite memory of being on your team? Our team bonding sleep over last season
Favorite skill to perform? Tilt kick
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? A stall
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Jazz or kick
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Hip hop
Stuff you do when not dancing: Baking cookies, cakes, and pies for my dance family
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? Sole Unique Dance Complex, Mrs. Heather Klaus, Ms. Katie McGinnis, and my amazing coach, Erin Johnson!!!
Coach notes: Annika is a senior and has been on the varsity dance team for four years and is captain this year. She has shown incredible growth and improvement each year on the team and she never stops perfecting her craft! She is passionate about our team culture and improving team bonding and activities for our team outside of practice. She makes everyone feel welcome and always is there as a helping hand to coaches and whatever needs to get done.
CARLI COCCO
Lockport Porterettes Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 13
Favorite memory of being on your team? Making forever friends and going to competitions with my team.
Favorite skill to perform? Turning disc
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Changing spot second turns
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Lyrical
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Lyrical
Stuff you do when not dancing: Spend time with my family and friends.
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? Elite Dance Academy
Coach notes: Carli is an exceptional young lady on and off of the dance floor. I have had the privilege of coaching her both on the JV team and Varsity team. She has developed into a wonderful young lady with a great love of dance! Carli is one of our seniors this year graduating and I look forward to seeing great things in the future from Carli!
AALIYAH COOK-HILL
Oak Lawn Spartan Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 4
Favorite memory of being on your team? Our annual summer camps
Favorite skill to perform? Fan kick
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? I really had to work hard to get my double pirouette.
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Hip hop
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Contemporary
Stuff you do when not dancing: I like to listen to music, play the guitar and I like to binge watch The Office.
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? I would like to thank my two dance coaches who helped me grow to the dancer I am today and my mom who never missed a single game or competition.
Coach notes: Hard-working, motivated, sassy and full of personality!
ALAINNA COOP
Seneca Dance Team / SR.
Coach notes: Alainna is a 4-year member of the dance team. She has exquisite technique and I could watch her for hours! She is a leader on our team and we will miss her greatly!
JORDAN COPELAND
Downers Grove South Fillies Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 4
Favorite memory of being on your team? The “Progressive Dinner” that we did during the previous years where we prepared food in groups at different teammates’ houses and went to each house throughout the night before having a sleepover.
Favorite skill to perform? Toe touch
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Turning disc
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Hip hop
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Contemporary
Stuff you do when not dancing: I play guitar, paint, and take care of my plants and pets!
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? Coach Dawn Jovic and Coach Mariterese Altosino
LANA CORALIC
Maine East Demon Squad Dance Team / SO.
Years dancing: 2
Favorite memory of being on your team? Even though we’re in this pandemic, my team and I have come up with cool ways to team bond following the Covid-19 guidelines. One of the cool ways was having a team bonding during a Zoom meeting and we just played a lot of fun games to get to know each other better and feel more comfortable with each other. I really got to know my team better
Favorite skill to perform? Illusion
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Fouettés into turning disc
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Hard jazz
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Hard jazz
Stuff you do when not dancing: Figure skating
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? My coaches Sue and Amanda
Coach notes: Lana is a sophomore dancer and captain on the Maine East Competitive Dance Team. Lana has been a constant motivator this season and a great role model for our young team.
AMBER CORRIGAN
Glenbard East Varsity Ramettes Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 15
Favorite memory of being on your team? Performing every Friday night for the school and winning a competition despite our music cutting out halfway through
Favorite skill to perform? Firebird
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Reverse spot seconds
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Lyrical or jazz
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Jazz
Stuff you do when not dancing: Hang out with friends and family, band, theatre
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? My East coaches and my studio instructors for always challenging me, believing in me, and shaping me into the dancer and person I am today. I would not have made it this far without them. Also, my parents for always supporting me even if it means spending their entire weekend at a dance competition.
Coach notes: Amber is an outstanding senior on our team. Her passion for dance and for her school is tangible, and she is beyond dedicated. We’re so lucky to have her on our team!
BELLA CRAM
Warren Varsity Devilettes Dance Team / SR.
Coach notes: Bella is a great leader and strong dancer. Her energy and facials while dancing is illuminating. She always has a positive attitude and motivates others, especially her teammates. She never lets an obstacle get in her way and her determination is incredible.
ABYGAIL CRESPO
Morton Varsity Poms / JR.
Years dancing: 2 years
Favorite memory of being on your team? 2019 homecoming game; the energy and the entire experience was one in a million. There was never a dull moment.
Favorite skill to perform? Seconds
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Middle splits and seconds
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Hip hop; reggaeton
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Hip hop; reggaeton
Stuff you do when not dancing: I love to take pictures, do hair and makeup, shop, help around the house and people.
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? Thank you to Coach Ritz, Coach Toledo and my mom, Myrta Reyes. They are all the reason I know what I know about dancing. My mom was and is my number 1 fan. While my coaches taught me at school, my mom taught me at home. Without them I wouldn’t be where I’m at today!
Coach notes: Abygail has been in poms for 2 years, the past year in JV and this mini-season in varsity. She also earned the spot of being one of my captains for varsity. She is very determined to get better at every single practice. Also another great student-athlete.
MAKAILA CRUMP
Rochelle Chellettes Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 15
Favorite memory of being on your team? Placing top 10 at State two years in a row
Favorite skill to perform? Firebird
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? A la seconde turns
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Contemporary
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Jazz
Stuff you do when not dancing: Hang out with friends, school, read, and paint
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? My mom and Coach Kass really helped encouraging me to get me to where I am today
Coach notes: Two-time state finalist high school team, three-time national soloist champion with her studio she has danced with since she was two.