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AVA JANETKA
Lakes Dance Team / SR.
Coach notes: Ava came into the dance program as a first year dancer for Lakes and she is graduating with leaving a tremendous mark on this program. Ava is talented in many ways; however, she truly shines in her personality.
EMANI JOHNSON
Evergreen Park Dance Team / FR.
Years dancing: 13
Favorite memory of being on your team? Dancing for competition
Favorite skill to perform? Hip hop, contemporary
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Contemporary, hip hop
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Contemporary, hip hop
Stuff you do when not dancing: Homework
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? Mayfair Dance Studio
Coach notes: This is Emani’s first year and she made it on Varsity! Emani is quiet but a very hard worker. She is always willing to try everything and never gives up.
HANNAH JOHNSON
Woodstock North Dance Team / Sr.
Years dancing: 8!
Favorite memory of being on your team? Making it to state my senior year!
Favorite skill to perform? Head springs or switch leaps!
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? My aerial!
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Hip hop!
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Hip hop!
Stuff you do when not dancing: I love to hang out with my friends, travel, and compete in pageants!
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? My coach, Mrs. Janke! It is her first year coaching at North and she started with a bang, changing our style to hip hop and making it to state my senior year and the second time in our school’s history! She’s amazing!
Coach notes: Hannah is one of our captains and is extremely dedicated to dance. She has been on the varsity squad all four years of high school and dedicates 100% of herself to her team and her own individual growth as a dancer. She will be sorely missed next year!
BRENNA JOHNSTON
Plainfield South Varsity Cougarettes Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 15
Favorite memory of being on your team? All of the laughs and jokes during practices
Favorite skill to perform? Turns
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? My disc and double disc
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Jazz
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Jazz or Tap
Stuff you do when not dancing: That rarely happens, but on my time off I love to just chill and have a movie night with my friends or family.
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? Where do I start! I’ve been at the same dance studio since I was 3. All the teachers there have been so kind and supportive. So thank you to all the teachers at Innovation Dance Company for making the studio my home. My pom coaches have also been amazing! Coach Fisher has believed in me since freshman year along with the other JV coaches. I wouldn’t be the same without them. Lastly, my family and friends. They are my biggest supporters and I would be nowhere if they weren’t by my side through everything.
Coach notes: Brenna is a strong & technical dancer who has been on Varsity since her freshman year. She is a leader on our team, encouraging her teammates to always do their best.
CALLIE JONES
ILLINI WEST CHARGETTES DANCE TEAM / SR.
Coach notes: State qualifying soloist and team captain. Great all around technique and planning to pursue dance after high school in college.
LINDSEY KAIL
Washington Pantherettes Dance Team / SR.
Coach notes: When Lindsey performs, she emanates boldness and strength. You watch Lindsey and you just know immediately that not only does she love to dance – she is a dancer. She is the second soloist from our team to be in the IDTA top 10 soloists this year.
KAYLA KAMILIS
Downers Grove North Athenas Dance Team / JR.
Coach notes: She is a beautiful dancer who really stepped up this year into a leadership position motivating the team and working harder than ever.
BROOKE KARLBLOM
Prairie Ridge Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 13
Favorite memory of being on your team? I just love how my team is so welcoming and supportive. You truly feel like a family.
Favorite skill to perform? Turning C
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Changing spots
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Lyrical
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Lyrical
Stuff you do when not dancing: Love to hang out with my friends and work
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? Judith Svalander school of ballet
Coach notes: Strong skills across the board, good at retaining choreography, great extension and turns, dedicated, willing to help her team
MARENA KECI
Glenbard South Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 4
Favorite memory of being on your team? State!
Favorite skill to perform? Turns in second
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Spot changing turns in second
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Lyrical
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Contemporary
Stuff you do when not dancing: Hang with friends, drive, watch Netflix
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? Coach Haley Kruis
Coach notes: Marena is one of our 2 seniors that stayed dedicated to our program during this unique season. Marena is our team hype-man. She is always lending a helping hand to her teammates and picking people up when they are down. Marena’s kind heart is unmatched. She cares deeply about each and every member of our team and as a coach I could not ask more from a captain. Marena is so deserving of the 8CA All-State award because of her love of this sport and lifting up those who share that same passion.
KAYLA KEILMAN
Rochelle Chellettes Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 12 years
Favorite memory of being on your team? My favorite memory of being on the team was when we placed 6th in the state. Our goal was to make it to the second day of state and we exceeded our goal by being in the top 10. We all worked really hard together so it was especially nice to see all of our hard work pay off.
Favorite skill to perform? My favorite skill to perform is either turning or any type of jumps. I really like tilt jumps.
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? I had to work really hard in order to correctly do my turns. I could get around on my secondes but I didn’t have the proper technique so I had to get rid of my old habits and learn how to do the turn correctly. I’ve learned a lot of combinations of turns and I had to work extra hard to get them correctly, but now I love them.
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Lyrical or Jazz
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Contemporary, lyrical
Stuff you do when not dancing: I really like to sing, hang out with my pets, 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? Kass Smith is the only reason I am the dancer I am today. She was my first coach when I started dancing at Just For Kix. If she hadn’t coached me, I don’t think I’d love dance as much as I do. She pushes not only me, but also my teammates because she knows we’re capable of doing better.
Coach notes: Team captain. She has risen to the occasion more than once. She is a leader of this team. She keeps everything light and goofy so we don’t get too stressed. She has been on the dance team for 4 years.
OLIVIA KHOSHABA
Niles North Dance Team / SR.
Coach notes: Olivia has natural talent that is undeniable! We love her resilience and willingness to learn.
ELENA KING
Lincoln-Way Central Rhythm Knights Dance Team / SO.
Years dancing: 12
Favorite memory of being on your team? My favorite memory is our state viewing party this year when we sang songs obnoxiously in between dances.
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? Hip hop
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Hip hop
Stuff you do when not dancing: I love baking and coloring in my free time.
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? The entire Street of Dreams dance faculty have all given me the confidence and training to get me where I am now.
Coach notes: Elena is the youngest member to ever take on a leadership role on our team. She was our most featured dancer but she also had a huge role in choreography.
NATALIE KLEIN
Oak Park-River Forest Drill Team / JR.
Years dancing: 13
Favorite memory of being on your team? One of my favorite memories from being on the team has been the team bonding exercises because I love getting closer with my team!
Favorite skill to perform? Calypso
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Flying disc
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Pom and jazz!
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Hip hop
Stuff you do when not dancing: When I’m not dancing I love to spend time with my friends and family!
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? My previous dance studio has definitely helped me be the dancer I am today. And most importantly Drill Team has pushed me to become better in so many ways!
Coach notes: Natalie always pushes herself to do her best and encourages her teammates to do the same. She always helped brainstorm choreography and motivate the team when needed. Her energy and talent always shine.
KATIE KRAMME
Willowbrook Varsity Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 16
Favorite memory of being on your team? My favorite memory of my team is qualifying for state. Hearing our team called over the microphone was proof that all of our hard work had payed off.
Favorite skill to perform? Anything with aerials
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? A front aerial
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Contemporary
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Hip hop
Stuff you do when not dancing: Hanging 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? My coaches Lamb and Jones (Maggie Lamb and Autumn Jones), and my instructors at Expression Dance Studio (@expressiondancestudio)
Coach notes: Katie started dancing when she was 2 years old and began competitive dance at age 5. She is a four year member of the WB Varsity Dance team and a true performer. Katie is one of the most highly motivated, driven, and skilled student-athletes I know. She goes above and beyond for her team and coaches and has proven she is one of the strongest dancers on the floor. She has competed at State twice during her high school career and has been a leader during this unprecendented time. She cares about doing her best, she cares about people, and she takes pride in her commitments. She puts forth her best effort at every practice and motivates her teammates to do the same. She holds the standards of a student-athlete high and excels in and outside of the classroom.
SAVANNAH KREY
Washington Pantherettes Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 15
Favorite memory of being on your team? The moment we found out we were state champs and our before-performance tradition of getting in a circle and shouting our chant in front of the audience.
Favorite skill to perform? Leaps – firebrids, toe-touches, tilts
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Reverse changing spot turns
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Jazz
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Hip hop
Stuff you do when not dancing: I LOVE to ride my bike and make handmade cards with my mom 🙂
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? Thank you so much to all of my awesome coaches throughout the years. Coach Metz, Coach Hofer, Coach Ashley, Coach Emily, Dev, Abbey, and Gina, thank you so much for believing in me and always pushing to be my best self. I truly could not be the dancer I am today without the hard work you poured into my physical and emotional strength. Washington Strong forever and WSDC WHAAAT!
Coach notes: While Savannah has a multitude of impressive qualities, such as respect, motivation, commitment, and balance, she is also, quite simply, a stunning dancer. She is the type of dancer that captivates an audience’s attention because of her technique, her consistency, and her performance quality. She also earned a spot as a top 10 soloist for IDTA.
MARGARET KUYPERS
Peotone Dance Team / SR.
Coach notes: She is a very hard worker and talented dancer. You can tell that she has a special place in her heart for dance.
MORGAN LAUNDRIE
Marist Varsity Poms & Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 13 years overall; 4 years at Marist
Favorite memory of being on your team? My favorite memory was qualifying for State my junior year and having that amazing experience.
Favorite skill to perform? Aerial
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Aerial
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Lyrical
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Lyrical
Stuff you do when not dancing: Hanging out with friends, work, and watching Grey’s Anatomy
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 parents for always supporting me. Also, I would not be where I am today without my dance teachers at my old studio: Elite Dance Academy. Lastly, I’d like to thank Coach Placas and Coach K for supporting and encouraging me since my freshman year.
Coach notes: Morgan has graced our competition floor with beautiful technique and amazing strength for four years on our Varsity team. She immediately draws your attention with her passion and emotion when she dances. You can’t take your eyes away from her or you’ll miss her beautiful aerial skills and all-around amazing talent and power in turns and leaps. She has been a role model to her teammates with her persistence to perfection and overall dedication to our program. Morgan has been a joy to coach these past four years!
MADDIE LEDESMA
Minooka Varsity Dance Team / SR.
Coach notes: She’s a four year member of our program and has improved so much as a dancer it is insane! So proud of her.
AUBREY LEMMON
Pinckneyville Varsity Poms / JR.
Coach notes: Aubrey is an amazing dancer and leader. She gives 110% at every single dance practice and is always setting an example for underclassmen. She never hesitates when I ask her to do something and always gives it her all. Aubrey has an amazing personality and always comes to practice with a smile.
AVERY LENZIE
Gardner-South Wilmington Pantherette Spiritline / SR.
Years dancing: 8 years
Favorite memory of being on your team? Becoming 2021 State Champions
Favorite skill to perform? I love doing facials and turns
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Yes! I worked super hard to hit my quad turn
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Pom
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Pom or lyrical
Stuff you do when not dancing: Play volleyball, participate in school clubs, and spend time with family
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? On Broadway Dance Studio and my current coach, Nicole Leigh, have shaped me into the dancer I am today!
Coach notes: Avery has been a source of positivity this entire season for our team. Her upbeat personality shines at each practice and performance. Even with a mask on you can see her facials and her love for performing. She has helped our team bond throughout this season makes sure each team member feels valued on our team. When sports shut down Avery immediately offered suggestions for what we could do virtually. She also decided to compete a solo with IDTA this year hoping for one last chance to compete. She practiced multiple times per week while we were shut down to learn and master her choreography. When we were able to start practicing again she would come in before practice or stay late to practice. All this was done at the same time that our team was trying to get two competition routines put together for competition season. Avery truly has a heart of gold and such a passion for this sport. She is so deserving of this honor.
MATTISON LESKIS
Mahomet-Seymour Dance Team / SR.
Coach notes: So passionate and dedicated. Definitely a hard worker and very talented. Excels in every practice & works to improve herself and her teammates. Confidently trying new things & becoming a great dancer
MONIKA LISZKA
Reavis Ramettes Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 4 years in highschool; 15 years overall
Favorite memory of being on your team? Finishing the routine at State and hugging my teammates in joy
Favorite skill to perform? Partner cartwheels
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Cartwheel
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Hip hop
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Kick
Stuff you do when not dancing: Badminton
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? Coach Farrell, Coach Daisy, and my dance teacher Miss Natalie
Coach notes: Another wonderful senior captain!
MOLLY LITTLE
Villa Grove Devilettes Dance Team / JR.
Years dancing: 5
Favorite memory of being on your team? Receiving 3rd place at state with a team of 5 girls! Also having a strong team bond for the past 2 years.
Favorite skill to perform? Stand-up kip-up
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Holding a headspring for an 8 count or more!
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Hip hop
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Hip Hop or pom
Stuff you do when not dancing: I spend time with friends or family. Or I’m doing other sports!
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? Sarah Bouton–she has been my amazing dance coach for 5 years.
Coach notes: Always dedicated to everything she does & one of the hardest workers in the room- her positivity and energy lights up the room. She has been a dancer for the past 5 years & has earned two State Championships in A Hip Hop & a Sectional Championship in IHSA
SARINA LoCASCIO
Lockport Porterettes Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 13
Favorite memory of being on your team? Our 2020 home invitational!!
Favorite skill to perform? Turns in second
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? My aerial!!
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Jazz
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Lyrical
Stuff you do when not dancing: Choreograph, workout, spend time with friends & family
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? Elite Dance Academy, Ms. Gina Matsie, and my entire family
Coach notes: Sarina LoCascio is a magnificent young lady. I have had the privilege of coaching her for four years on the Lockport Team. She brings sunshine, humor, wit and hard work with her in all things she does. She is one of our seniors graduating this year and I expect her to do incredible things! I feel blessed to have coached her through her high school dance career.
BREZJE LOPEZ
Bishop McNamara Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 4
Favorite memory of being on your team? Going to state
Favorite skill to perform? Headspring
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Kip-up
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Hip Hop
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Hip Hop
Stuff you do when not dancing: Homework
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? Coach Megan and Coach Courtney
Coach notes: Brezje is such a caring leader. She shows up to practice ready to work and help out her team.
FRANCESCA LoRUSSO
Ridgewood Dance Team / JR.
Years dancing: 12
Favorite memory of being on your team? Every football game when we get hyped right before our performance.
Favorite skill to perform? Headspring and turning disc
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Fouetté turns
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Hip Hop
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Hip Hop
Stuff you do when not dancing: Spend time with friends, family and my dog.
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? Norridge Park District taught me all of the basics, and my current coach, Mrs.England, helped me improve my skills and gain confidence.
Coach notes: Francesca is one of the captains of the dance team. She stepped into a leadership role her sophomore year and has been a consistent and reliable leader ever since. In addition to her leadership skills and maturity, she is one of the most versatile and talented dancers that I have ever coached.