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JULYA GALENO
Taft Poms / SR.
Years dancing: 12 years
Favorite memory of being on your team? Going to different competitions and performing with my team.
Favorite skill to perform? Turns
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? My toe touches were one of my biggest challenges.
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Jazz
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Hip hop
Stuff you do when not dancing: Spending time with family or friends.
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? Coach Alunan was our best supporter and the team’s biggest fan.
Coach notes: She is one of my captains and has beautiful turns and is adaptable.
ALYSSA GALLARNEAU
Lakes Dance Team / SR.
Coach notes: I have had the opportunity to coach Alyssa for the past three years where I have seen her do amazing things for this program. Alyssa is a phenomenal leader and a true role model for our younger classes. Alyssa has been a consistent light in this program since I have started and I truly am grateful to have coached such an amazing young woman.
ISABELLA GARCIA
Reavis Ramettes Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 3 years in high school
Favorite memory of being on your team? Going to state my sophomore year
Favorite skill to perform? Partner cartwheel
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Pom
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Hip hop
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 Coach Farrell, Coach Daisy, and Coach Miranda for everything they’ve done for me as well as my team
Coach notes: One of our awesome senior captains!
McKENZIE GARCIA
Woodstock Dance Team / JR.
Years dancing: 3 on the team
Favorite memory of being on your team? Getting ready on the mornings of competitions together.
Favorite skill to perform? Firebirds
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Switch leap
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Hip hop
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Jazz
Stuff you do when not dancing: Singing and makeup
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? Coach Lauren Mackey and family
Coach notes: She is an amazing dancer. She is pint-sized and full of energy and strength. She has some of the most amazing jumps and leaps I’ve ever seen. She has excellent muscle strength and is learning more about ballet and her turnout. She has been on Varsity all seasons since her Freshman year. She also loves music and has a great voice. She truly is a great performer and she will catch your eye when she does.
EMMA GEIGER
Plainfield East Bengalettes Dance Team / JR.
Years dancing: 8 years
Favorite memory of being on your team? My favorite memory of being on the Plainfield East Dance Team has been absolutely everything. I loved how welcome I felt when I joined the team and how everyone has made me feel like I fit in so perfectly. I love the positivity everyone has towards each other and how despite our circumstances at the moment, we are still enjoying every second we get the chance to dance together.
Favorite skill to perform? My favorite skill to perform is a la seconde turns.
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? A skill that I worked extra hard to get was my headspring.
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Contemporary
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Pom
Stuff you do when not dancing: When I am not dancing I like to hang out with my friends and binge watch shows on Netflix.
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? Some people I would like to mention that helped me get to where I am today are my parents and my dance teacher, Ms. Jelena.
Coach notes: She is the type of dancer who understands the technical and showmanship aspects of dance. She is detail-oriented in her technique and adapts quickly to changes and corrections. Emma is a very versatile dancer. Though it is her first year on the dance team and her first year dancing both pom and hip-hop choreographies, YOU CAN NOT EVEN TELL! She is always hitting each across-the-floor exercise, choreography, and halftime performance FULL OUT! She gives 150% and is a humble individual. She is a dedicated teammate, projects positive energy and demonstrates a willingness to grow in all aspects.
ALYSSA GIACCHINO
Bradley-Bourbonnais Boilermakers Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 12
Favorite memory of being on your team? Going to competitions and going to state
Favorite skill to perform? Left changing spots
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Pirouettes into an illusion
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Hip hop
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Hip hop
Stuff you do when not dancing: Studying and working
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? Coach Akerman, coach Alexander, Coach Karkos and my parents
Coach notes: Alyssa has been on the Varsity Dance Team since her freshman year. During her time on the team she has not only grown as a dancer but also as a person. Alyssa will be attending Austin Peay State University in the fall and will be trying out for their dance team. We will miss having Alyssa on the team next year, but are so excited for her to take the next steps on her journey!
BRYANA GOMEZ
Romeoville Spartanettes Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 13
Favorite memory of being on your team? My favorite memory would have to be getting ready all together and all of the inside jokes we created along with all of the bus rides to and from competitions!
Favorite skill to perform? Turns
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Any type of jumps
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Contemporary
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Hip hop
Stuff you do when not dancing: Spend time with my family and friends, go on TikTok, take pictures with my friends, and go on adventures to places I’ve never been to
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? Starr Dance Studio was a big part of my dance career; I’ve made unforgettable friendships and learned everything I know there! I also made amazing memories and learned from amazing teachers! My family is my biggest support system–they have been my cheerleaders since the start and continue to support me in whatever I do!
Coach notes: She is a great dancer with strong leader qualities. She is constantly going above & beyond for her teammates.
LALI GONZALEZ
Waukegan Dance Team / SR.
Coach notes: Lali is a 4 year Varsity Dancer. She is a leader and go-getter on and off the dance floor. Her teammates look up to her as a leader and she demonstrates the highest level of sportsmanship. She is always positive and willing to take a challenge and is all-in 110%. Lali is also NSC all-conference.
ABBEY GUZZIO
Mundelein Varsity Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 16 years
Favorite memory of being on your team? My favorite memory is the team lock-in we did in our school. We had practice after school one Friday and then we slept over in our school library on air mattresses and we watched movies on a projector all night. We also spent hours baking and decorating christmas cookies in our foods room!
Favorite skill to perform? I love performing any turn sequence
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? I never used to be able to do a headspring, but this season we spent many days working on skills and after a while, I ended up getting it and I can now do it consistently!
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? My favorite style to perform is contemporary
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? My favorite style to watch is hip hop
Stuff you do when not dancing: I go on daily coffee runs, hang out with my friends and family, and watch Netflix all the time
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? I’ve been dancing at my studio for the past 8 years, Denise Sabala Dance Studio, and I would not be the dancer I am today without my coaches and the experiences I’ve had there. Although my studio doesn’t teach or perform in the “dance team style,” I owe all my improvement, technique, and overall dancing abilities to them!
Coach notes: Abbey is a strong dancer who has been part of Mundelein’s Varsity team for all four years
MADISYN HACK
Eureka Dance Team / JR.
Years dancing: 13 years
Favorite memory of being on your team? Going to IHSA State for the first time ever. We made school history that day. It was the craziest and coolest experience.
Favorite skill to perform? A la seconde turn combinations
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Switch leap and toe rise
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Contemporary
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Contemporary; any routine that is clean and sharp
Stuff you do when not dancing: Drawing, reading, softball
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? Merrilee Studios; my middle school and high school dance team coach (Coach Hack)
Coach notes: Madisyn has been on the Eureka High School Competitive Team since her freshman year. She is a current captain on the competitive team and was a captain in training last season. She has been on EHS teams that have qualified for both IHSA and IDTA State every year. She is a compassionate leader who her teammates look up to, as well as go to during and outside of practice for help. Madisyn has a studio background, which has helped her with breaking down choreography and skills to make it easier for her teammates that have little experience. She has also helped choreograph competitive routines since her sophomore year and assisted with choreographing all 3 routines that qualified this season for IDTA State. Madisyn, in addition to another junior captain, lead on-line practices while in quarantine. These practices were pivotal to the team learning choreography for the routine that qualified for IHSA State this season. Madisyn enjoys challenging herself and her teammates at practices. She is a leader that can take corrections, give and take positive feedback, and leads her team with mutual respect. I know Madisyn would be honored to be a part of the 8 Count Audio All State Dance Team.
MARINA HALAMA
Stevenson Varsity Patriettes / SR.
Coach notes: Flexibility, lines, front and side aerials plus tremendous musicality. She had a dislocated knee last year and had to sit out of their state championship so this was the last chance as a senior.
ADRIANA HALL
Oak Lawn Spartan Dance Team / JR.
Years dancing: 15
Favorite memory of being on your team? Even though this has been a rough dance season with missing our yearly UDA camp, I feel that is my favorite memory by far with my team! Even though it can be stressful, that’s what brings our team together! Over the four days our team gets so close, which creates this amazing family for the season to come! I am looking forward to this upcoming year to attend a UDA camp again!
Favorite skill to perform? My favorite skill to perform is a left leg turn where you hold it at the end!
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? A skill that I had to work extra hard on and I am still working on is second turns!
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Favorite style to perform is a sassy jazz!
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? I love watching tap–it’s so intricate and hard to conquer but when you watch it, it seems so easy and simple.
Stuff you do when not dancing: When I am not dancing I love to watch movies, spend time with my family, and travel!
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? I would love to give a shootout to my studio since day one! Stage Door Dance Academy!!!! This is a place where I look forward to going to every day and have learned so much about myself and how to grow as a person! Another shoutout to my two amazing coaches, Ryan Brandt and Alex Young! These two are literally the best coaches ever… they make practice so fun and really make this team a family! One more shoutout goes to my amazing family! I love you all so much! Thank you for supporting me and driving me back and forth to numerous practices! ❤️
Coach notes: Captain of our team, incredible leader, energetic and fun to watch!
AVA HAMANN
Vernon Hills Dance Team / SR.
Coach notes: This dancer will be continuing to dance in college. She’s dedicated to the team and has been a strong leader this season.
KATHRYN HAMILTON
Providence Catholic Poms / SR.
Years dancing: 15
Favorite memory of being on your team? Running out to the football field after we found out we won state and singing our favorite Pitch Perfect song together.
Favorite skill to perform? Firebird
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Seconds
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Jazz
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Lyrical
Stuff you do when not dancing: Spend 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? Our dance families and our coaches have been the biggest support system. I couldn’t be more thankful for them.
Coach notes: Very dedicated, hardworking. National Honor Society. Class representative. Multiple athlete. Captain her junior year.
KARA HARDIN
Richwoods Royalettes Dance Team / SR.
Coach notes: A wonderful and graceful dancer and amazing choreographer.
HAILEY HELLGETH
St. Viator Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 14
Favorite memory of being on your team? Finding out we made it to state!
Favorite skill to perform? Leaps
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? Contemporary
Stuff you do when not dancing: Hanging out with friends, playing with my dog, and baking
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? On Your Toes Academy of Dance, my parents, and all my coaches/teachers/friends
Coach notes: Hailey is the first one at practice and the last to leave. Always lending a hand and helping the underclassmen with technique and choreo. All star player from the jump.
MIA HICHEW
Jacobs Varsity Dance Team / SR.
Coach notes: Mia has grown up around the Jacobs Dance Program. She is committed, passionate and so incredibly invested in the success of the team! She has helped lead her team as captain in an absolutely incredible turnaround year for Jacobs!
OLIVIA HIGDON
Neuqua Valley Varsity Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 13
Favorite memory of being on your team? Meeting my lifetime friends the first day of Clinics
Favorite skill to perform? JAZZ HANDS
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Toe touches
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Jazz
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Pom
Stuff you do when not dancing: Baking chocolate chip cookies and playing volleyball with friends
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? My old studio Midwest Edge, my hip hop teacher Chris Xayarath, and my coach Emily Vrchota.
Coach notes: Olivia has worked her butt off to deserve her varsity position and although this year was very different, she fit right in to the norm of varsity practices/competitions! We are so proud of her!
LEAH HOFFMAN
Jacksonville J’ettes Dance Team
Years dancing: 14 years
Favorite memory of being on your team? Definitely making our coach cry after our performance at sectionals. We all worked so hard for that moment when we won!
Favorite skill to perform? Left turns in second
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? My layout step-out — it took some time to master it.
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? I love using emotion when I dance, so probably lyrical.
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? I would either say lyrical again, or a fun, hype hip-hop group.
Stuff you do when not dancing: Travel, teaching, and watching any Marvel movies!
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, my studio family, and my teachers, Calla, Claire, and Amy.
Coach notes: Leah is a very focused young lady on and off of the dance floor. She sets goals and works very hard. She is technically beautiful on the dance floor and this is a major asset for our team. We also appreciate how she makes academics a priority in her life and balances all things so brilliantly.
KARA HOGAN
Libertyville Varsity Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 15
Favorite memory of being on your team? Getting 5th in the state this year. Even though we were virtual and not actually at state it was such an exciting moment.
Favorite skill to perform? Any type of leap or jump.
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? My junior year I had a turn solo where I did 5 pirouettes and that took me a lot of work to get consistent.
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Lyrical
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Hip hop
Stuff you do when not dancing: Read, knit, and watch movies.
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? I’d like to just thank Coach D and Coach F for developing such an amazing, supportive dance team program that reminds me each day what I love about dance.
Coach notes: Kara Hogan exemplifies what it means to be a student-athlete at Libertyville High School. Her passion for dance and academics is evident in everything she does. Kara cares deeply for those around her and makes a continued effort to support her teammates and coaches through uncertainty and adversity. As a captain, Kara views this opportunity to continue to grow as a leader and seeks out opportunities to bring her teammates closer no matter the circumstances. Kara has shown up, put in the work and modeled what it means to be a member of LVDT at every summer workout, virtual practice, contact day, strength and conditioning workout and the list goes on. Kara is an incredible leader, teammate, dancer but most importantly, an incredible young woman. We are so proud of all she is doing to create relationships with her teammates, mentor the JV members, help her coaches navigate new waters and keep morale high.
JORDAN HOLTHAUS
DeKalb Barbettes Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 11 years
Favorite memory of being on your team? Going to state and making bonds with all my teammates
Favorite skill to perform? Switch arabesque
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? Lyrical
Stuff you do when not dancing: Photography
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? My dance team coach: Allie Valkner. Along with my parents.
Coach notes: Jordan is also a Head Captain of our team, and has been a part of our program since her freshman year. Jordan is an extremely hard worker, and leads through example. Her commitment to the team is incredible, and she’s a very important member of our team!
SYDNEY HOPPENWORTH
Jones College Prep Dance Team / JR.
Years dancing: 7
Favorite memory of being on your team? I miss nothing more than riding the bus home from a competition with my teammates. We’d be exhausted, but we’d feel so relieved to see our work pay off. On long rides we’d spend the entire time just talking and playing truth or dare. Sometimes we’d pile on and just nap on one another. At those times I felt the most connected with everyone ❤️
Favorite skill to perform? Partner stunts! I love basing and perfecting a unique stunt with a flyer.
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Sommerkips
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Hip hop ❤️
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Hip hop
Stuff you do when not dancing: When I’m not dancing I’m either crocheting stuffed animals, playing chess, studying, or spending time with friends.
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? I have my lovely parents, coaches, and friends to thank for making me the dancer I am today.
Coach notes: Sydney is a strong and powerful dancer that always motivates her team! She has an amazing spirit and a stage presence that you can’t help but watch.
CAMBRI HORNER
Ottawa Pirate Poms / SR.
Years dancing: 15 years
Favorite memory of being on your team? My favorite memories include hotel stays, winning state and all of our fun gatherings as a team–such as team dinners!
Favorite skill to perform? Jumps & leaps
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Turns
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Jazz
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Pom or jazz
Stuff you do when not dancing: I love hanging out with family & friends, shopping, and traveling!
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? I would love to give a shout-out to my coach Alaina Weatherford. She has pushed our team and me personally ever since she took over and has made us the best we can be. Pirate Poms not only feels like a team but also a big group of sisters I never had. I would like to thank my coach for making that the way it is. Coach never gives up on us and treats us girls like her own. Also, I would like to mention my dance teachers from my studio, especially Patty Gray and Lisa Lemke: they have been my dance teachers ever since I was three. I have always gone to Grays School of Dance and I consider it my second home. The memories I have made there will last forever even after I graduate. Lastly, I would like to thank my parents. Throughout high school they pushed me to do my best not only in dance but in life. Without any of those people in my life, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Coach notes: Cambri has been a great senior leader this year. She’s helped organize themed practices, is always encouraging her teammates, and she’s a huge reason why we have such a loving, family dynamic this year.
LAUREN HOWEN
Woodstock North Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 3
Favorite memory of being on your team? Watching the other performances together at competitions.
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? Jazz
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Lyrical
Stuff you do when not dancing: When I am not dancing I’m writing and practicing guitar.
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 first ever dance coach, Sabrina Nevler, for always being in my corner. I would like to thank my current coach, Jackie Adler, for leading my team and me through this abnormal season. Last, but not least, I would like to thank my parents for their endless support.
Coach notes: There is never a time when Lauren isn’t going full out! She is one of our captains and leads by example each and every practice. On top of that, she gives one of the best team huddle pep talks you’ve ever heard!
BRIGITTE HUERTA
Waukegan Dance Team / SO.
Coach notes: Brigitte has become one of the best breakout dancers this year on the team. She works very hard to perfect things and practices until she gets it right. She also has played a huge part this year and has stepped up to the plate in helping her teammates and has also become a leader on the team. She is smart, coachable and talented and always puts her teammates first. She is positive and uplifting to her teammates and is truly a coach’s dream.
RIO IORII
York Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: I’ve been dancing since I was 18 months old and have been on the varsity dance team all four years of high school.
Favorite memory of being on your team? My favorite memory of being on this team would have have to be winning state back in 2018. It wasn’t just winning that made it so memorable or special, it was all the hard work and countless hours of practice paying off in the end. The road to the top was an experience I will never forget.
Favorite skill to perform? My favorite dance skill is definitely turning. Whether it’s pirouettes or turns a la seconde, I love them all!
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? A skill that took a lot of time to get down was a headspring. Before freshman year, I knew this would be a requirement to make the team so I worked all summer long before tryouts to make sure I had it down.
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? My favorite style of dance to perform would be either lyrical or contemporary.
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? My favorite style of dance to watch would be hip hop or contemporary.
Stuff you do when not dancing: When I’m not dancing I love to workout, do yoga, hang out with my friends, or spend time with my family.
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? Throughout my life, I have been to multiple dance studios and have had so many teachers that helped me gain experience to get to where I am today. I would like to thank Lauren Caputo, Kristen Baron, Mellissa Lobes, Talia Balija, Carly Brandl, Amanda Dexl, and Alyssa Ortiz. Lastly, I would like to thank my parents for not only paying for dance my whole life, but for being my number one fans and biggest supporters through everything. I love you guys!
Coach notes: As one of the only seniors on varsity for four years and a 2-year captain, she has always led by example and helped the team bring their best choreo!