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MARKETA MACKOVA
Riverside-Brookfield Pupettes Dance Team / JR.
Years dancing: 10
Favorite memory of being on your team? Sharing funny stories and laughing
Favorite skill to perform? Right center leap
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Second turns
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Lyrical
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Hip hop
Stuff you do when not dancing: Spending time with friends
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? Ms.Dall and Impact Dance Studio
Coach notes: Has been determined to progress since freshman year. Always pushes herself to do better and rise to the challenge!
VANESSA MALATESTA
St. Ignatius Dance Team / SR.
Coach notes:
VICTORIA MALAYTHONG
Belvidere Dance Team / JR.
Years dancing: 3
Favorite memory of being on your team? Bus trips
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Turns
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Hip hop
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Lyrical / jazz
Stuff you do when not dancing: Hang out with friends
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? Amariya Peterson, my best friend
Coach notes: Victoria is developing into a nice little dancer and has a willingness to learn and grow. Her form is developing nicely and she is happy to step up as a leader when asked.
GABRIELLA MANRIQUEZ
Joliet West Varsity Tiger Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 15 years
Favorite memory of being on your team? My favorite memory of being on the team was my very first football game. I was super nervous, but also very excited for the start of a new beginning, and the excitement of the game!
Favorite skill to perform? 360 second leap
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Front aerial
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Jazz
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Contemporary
Stuff you do when not dancing: I love to read, paint, shop, spend time outside and hangout 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’d love to thank my parents, teachers from BDA Dance, and my coach, Cryder, for helping me get where I am today!
Coach notes: A very talented dancer who is aways leading, smiling and putting her best foot forward.
MACIE MANUEL
MAHOMET-SEYMOUR DANCE TEAM / SO.
Coach notes: Works very hard at practice and is so appreciative of the opportunities she is given. Likes to try new things and works hard during practice.
JILL MARK
Northside College Prep Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 15
Favorite memory of being on your team? Making it to IHSA State in 2020! I was a captain during this season and it was the first time in our school’s history that the Poms team made it to state. I was not expecting to qualify and getting to compete amongst some of the best teams was an honor.
Favorite skill to perform? Turns!
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? I struggled with leg extensions/flexibility for a long time. I continued to not only stretch my legs but also strengthen them. I have seen a lot of progress recently, but I am still working to improve!
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Ballet
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Contemporary
Stuff you do when not dancing: I am a competitive figure skater and I also love to bake!
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 all of my teachers at Le Ballet Petit School of Dance for my dance training since I was three years old. I would also like to thank Coach Duerst at NCP for all the work she does for our team!
Coach notes: Meticulous. Mature. Passionate. Proactive. These are just a few words to describe Jill Mark. Jill is an extremely mature student for her age. She first became captain her sophomore year for a reason; at just fifteen years old, she stood out as an extremely committed, organized, and level headed individual. In this position, Jill consistently impressed (and continues to impress) me in ways beyond her dancing ability. For example, Jill would carefully watch films from practice late at night and pause the videos at each frame to assess the team’s synchronization. I often receive emails from Jill with ideas the team can implement to improve. She is constantly thinking, reflecting, and making decisions in the team’s best interest. In fact, she is often one step ahead of me. I have absolutely adored having Jill as a leader on this team, and give her an abundance of credit for helping the team make it to the IHSA State Championship this past January for the first time ever in Northside history.
ISABELA MARQUEZ
Stagg Chargerettes Dance Team / JR.
Coach notes: Isabela was one of our captains and choreographers this season. I was very impressed with her ability to take feedback from me and change, adapt, and create on the spot. She has a very positive attitude and strong work ethic.
ALLANAH MARTIN
Hampshire Varsity Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 14
Favorite memory of being on your team? Making it to state for the first time in our school’s history.
Favorite skill to perform? Turns in second
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? My aerial: I had a hard time executing my aerial during our routine, since I was tired, so after each full out I would get up and do my aerial again.
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Lyrical
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Hip Hop; I am amazed by some of the routines other teams execute.
Stuff you do when not dancing: When I’m not dancing I enjoy hanging out with my friends and playing with my two cats.
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 dance teacher, Ellen Werksman, for teaching me dance and for giving me amazing performance opportunities. I would also like the thank Coach Erfort, Coach Washington, and Coach Alvarez for being amazing coaches throughout my time on the dance team and for shaping me into the dancer I am today.
Coach notes: Allanah is a well-rounded individual who seeks out opportunities both inside and outside of school settings. Upon meeting, Allanah struck me as a versatile individual, both physically and cognitively. She quickly established herself as a strong dancer, participating wholeheartedly in each practice and often asking clarifying questions to ensure she not only understands the concept, but also knows how it can best be applied in other scenarios. Allanah’s well-versed dance background and leadership qualities have led her to obtain recognition in the dance community. For the past several years, she was awarded the “All American” dancer title from the Universal Dance Association (UDA), which allows her to dance at events held nationally and internationally. Allanah has been given the opportunity to participate in the “Thanksgiving Tour Parade,” the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida, and various UDA events in London and Rome. She also participates in dance outside of school at her dance studio, despite her heavy classload. Allanah consistently displays a level of maturity, confidence, commitment, and responsibility that is rarely seen among individuals at this stage.
GABI MARTIN
Benet Avions Dance Team / JR.
Years dancing: 15
Favorite memory of being on your team? My favorite memory of being on Avions is definitely qualifying for state this year. Not only was it so special because it was such an abnormal year, but also because we were the first Avions team to ever qualify.
Favorite skill to perform? Any type of jump
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Switch spot turns
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Lyrical
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Jazz
Stuff you do when not dancing: Spending time with friends/family, traveling somewhere warm, and watching Vampire Diaries.
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? Thank you to all of my teachers from throughout the years at Impact Dance Studio, my parents, and Coach Gabrisko
Coach notes: Dedicated dancer that has great choreo ideas. Always brings a positive attitude to practice. Very helpful to the team in many ways. Always brings a powerful energy to her dancing and her love of dance shines through.
KATIE MARTIN
Lisle Lionettes Dance Team / SR.
Coach notes: From her freshman year to now, Katie has made many huge strides in growing her dance skills and becoming the team leader we have today. She leads our team with passion and purpose. She has always been a joy to coach and continues to be a hard worker!
MIA MARIA MARTINEZ
Bremen Braves Dance Team / JR.
Years dancing: 2
Favorite memory of being on your team? The first summer being on the team
Favorite skill to perform? Tricks and tumbling
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Turns
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Lyrical
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Lyrical
Stuff you do when not dancing: Read, draw, and write
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? Mrs.Thigpen
Coach notes: She is the most versatile dancer we have. She can go from pom, to hip hop, to lyrical, to jazz effortlessly. Mia is never afraid to try something new and her positive attitude is infectious.
NATHAN MATTIX
Andrew Varsity Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 7
Favorite memory of being on your team? Dance Team Union Nationals my junior year!!
Favorite skill to perform? Turns
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Leg flexibility
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Contemporary / Lyrical
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Contemporary / Lyrical
Stuff you do when not dancing: Hanging out with friends and family; hang out with friends or do schoolwork
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? Konquer Dance Company and my supportive family!!
Coach notes: Nathan is a 4-year member of the varsity dance team. He has amazing technique and is a true team player. He works hard and always gives 100%. He also choreographed both of our varsity routines this year as well as our JV’s routine!
REED MAYS
Centralia Hip Hop Squad / SR.
Years dancing: 7 years
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? Locking
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Monkey flip
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? General: hip hop. Specific: waving and locking
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Hip hop
Stuff you do when not dancing: Play drums!
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? Coach Johnson
Coach notes: Stellar performer a part of 3 All – State teams, top ranked AA hip hop team in the state. Leads team with confidence in his 2nd year as a captain. Spiritually, mentally, and kinesthetically strong. Not fearful of being an example and setting himself apart from the rest. Versatile. Very, very active in his community. Excellent student. Well – rounded musician/artist
SOPHIA McCOMB
West Chicago Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 15
Favorite memory of being on your team? So many memories on this team!! One of my favorites has to be becoming captain my junior year and senior year. I love being able to lead in a way that helps and motivates my team so that we bond and always have some fun while working hard!
Favorite skill to perform? My favorite skill has to be toe touches or second turns!!!
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? I had to work extra hard to get my kip-up for hip hop; I had scoliosis surgery before high school so any skill that had to do with my back took extra work.
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? I would have to say any sassy jazz or hip hop dance!
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? I love watching hip hop; there’s so much creativity
Stuff you do when not dancing: Spending time with my friends and family is always my priority when not dancing. There’s nothing better than being with the people who love and support you!!
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 Ms. Covella and Coach Heavey who are both dance instructors/coaches at my school. They have been so motivating and kind to help me come out of my shell freshman year until senior year and grow as a person and dancer!!
Coach notes: I cannot say enough amazing things about Sophia McComb! She made Varsity her freshman year and within the first couple months of being on the team she needed spine surgery. For many this would alter their lives, but for Sophia she used this a way to take better care of her body. Sophia is one of the most talented dancers I have ever had. Her list of skills and tricks goes on for days. Jumps are her favorite! Sophia has been a captain for the past two years. Her motivation, positivity, dedication, talent, and hard work create the most ideal captain any coach would want for their team. Sophia would make a wonderful All-State Dancer!
ALISON McNAMARA
Naperville Central Varsity Arrowettes Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 13
Favorite memory of being on your team? One of my favorite memories was making it to State my junior year. When we heard our name we all freaked out and it was an awesome moment. Knowing our hard work had payed off made every second worth it.
Favorite skill to perform? Turns
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Aerial–it took me 2 years
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Hip hop–I always have a ton of fun doing hip hop for a crowd
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? I love watching contemporary–the emotion is always super cool to feel.
Stuff you do when not dancing: I love to watch Criminal Minds and spend time with friends. I also work as a lifeguard over the summer.
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? I am super grateful for my family for always being supportive of my dancing and for spending many long weekends at competitions and driving to practices.
Coach notes: Alison is a 4th year varsity member that can throw down any skill she’s asked to perform. She is our choreography queen, as she’s always ready to help her teammates keep up with new material.
ALLISON MELTON
Nashville Stingers Dance Team / SR.
Coach notes: Allison is a true leader in every sense of the word. She puts forth her best effort while also encouraging others on the team. Her helpful comments have pushed our team to be better. She has been on the team since her freshman year, and the growth she has shown is incredible. She knows that we succeed together, and this is why she takes every opportunity she can to improve her teammates. She’s been an excellent captain this year.
HANNAH MENELLI
Plainfield South Cougarettes Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 9 years
Favorite memory of being on your team? My favorite memory was definitely this past competition season! For us, our goals were not based on placement, but rather just having fun and really bonding as a team! And we did all of that, as well as our best placement at State in program history! #lucky13
Favorite skill to perform? Seconds
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Not necessarily a skill, but my overall performance quality was something I really had to work for.
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Poms 100%
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? I love watching jazz and contemporary
Stuff you do when not dancing: I am also a figure skater!
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? Thank you Kris Wedra for introducing dance to me, Coach Germann for helping me build up my skills, Coach Bicek for letting me join you last season, and Coach Fisher for making me the dancer I am today! Also shout out to my amazing parents and sister for all the support!
Coach notes: Hannah is a four year Cougarette. Her experience on JV & Varsity has allowed her to grow both as a dancer & leader. Hannah is a natural leader, helping encourage her teammates & always assisting in any way she can.
MARISA MERCADO
Alan B. Shepard Dance Team / JR.
Years dancing: 3 years
Favorite memory of being on your team? My favorite memory of being on the team was definitely our first competitions or our first football games. I guess the rush of everything and getting there early was just fun for me. They were great experiences. Getting to the competitions/footballs games and performing always made me nervous, but at the end it just made me feel good. I love leading the group for some things and I love how we’re all so close. They can always come to me for anything–I love it so much. They’ve all grown on me and they’re like a family to me.
Favorite skill to perform? Turns / tilt
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? My turns; I had to practice my balance and spotting, which took me a while.
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Jazz / pom
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Hip Hop
Stuff you do when not dancing: Stuff I do when I’m not dancing is paint, I play with my dogs, I dress up a lot and try on random clothes, help around the house, and do schoolwork.
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? Sarah Wohler and my coach, La’Janiece Burnett. They really pushed me to where I am today and I am so grateful to have them as my coaches. Even though Sarah couldn’t be part of the team anymore, she still played a very big part.
Coach notes: This has been a very trying year for everyone but Marisa has stepped up in her role to become a better leader for this team. She has been an inspiration for the new members on this team. Very proud of her accomplishments this year.
COLETTE METHLING
Ottawa Pirate Poms / SR.
Years dancing: 8 years
Favorite memory of being on your team? Being able to travel to Rome with girls on my team
Favorite skill to perform? Changing spot turns
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Quad pirouette
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Jazz
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Contemporary
Stuff you do when not dancing: Spending time with friends
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? My poms coach Alaina Weatherford and dance teacher Julie Dzedzic
Coach notes: Colette has been a great leader this year. She’s so positive and kind to everyone. Technically, she’s one of the strongest turners on our team.
COURTNEY MICHAELSEN
Carl Sandburg Eaglettes Dance Team / JR.
Years dancing: 14
Favorite memory of being on your team? Going to state my freshman year was so surreal! I loved the adrenaline rush of dancing on the state floor for the first time and watching all of the amazing teams.
Favorite skill to perform? Capezio
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Aerial
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Jazz
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Pom
Stuff you do when not dancing: Running, studying, and cooking!
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? I would not be where I am today without all of the incredible teachers at Elite Dance Academy, the dynamic duo of Coach Roberson and Coach Latorre 🙂 and of course my wonderful teammates!
Coach notes: Courtney is a dancer who always put the team first. She is the first named Junior captain that we have ever had because of her selflessness and discipline. She is constantly training to achieve perfection. She also plans on continuing to dance at the collegiate level. She will be a great addition to any team she is on.
GABRIELA MONTES
Lake Park Lancettes Dance Team / SR.
Coach notes: She is an extremely dedicated, hard working dancer.
MEGAN MONTINOLA
Benet Avions Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 13 years
Favorite memory of being on your team? Getting first place at the Andrew High School competition
Favorite skill to perform? Turning disc
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Second turns
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Lyrical
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Hip Hop
Stuff you do when not dancing: Get ice cream with friends, go to youth group at my church, play music, and watch hockey
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? Coach Gabrisko, Coach Takahashi, Salt Creek Ballet
Coach notes: Always super helpful to the team and a great dancer! Stayed positive throughout this crazy year. Organized, thoughtful, and a great leader. Very responsible, reliable and always got tasks finished.
KAYLIN MOORE
Bolingbrook Raiderettes Dance Team / SO.
Years dancing: 6 years
Favorite memory of being on your team? My favorite memory would be this year doing our first ever showcase. Showing off all our talents with the amazing support of family and friends was so much fun and uplifting.
Favorite skill to perform? Fouetté turns/ a la seconde turns
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? I had to work really hard on my flexibility in order to get my splits or leg hold or any extensions as I was not a naturally flexible dancer.
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? I love performing jazz!
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Hip Hop
Stuff you do when not dancing: I love working on photography.
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? Malika Kelly and BPD Danceforce
Coach notes: Kaylin is a phenomenal, energetic, beautiful, graceful, and talented dancer.
MICHAELA MOORE-BISCAN
Metea Valley Varsity Dance Team / JR.
Years dancing: 13
Favorite memory of being on your team? It would honestly be when we are at practice. We always have our funny inside jokes and gestures or when someone makes a mistake so little and we make eye contact and die laughing because it was hilarious. All in all our team has a great, goofy energy that keeps us together and help us make more memories.
Favorite skill to perform? Spinning Disc
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Doing a float in turns in second
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Hip hop / jazz
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Hip Hop
Stuff you do when not dancing: Watch anime, draw, write and read mangas
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? Any of my teachers from Ryan at Xtreme, Michelle at Dream, Ted at Cast, Ari and Erica at Jr. Luvabull’s, and of course my coach. Most importantly my parents who put me into dance when I was little. They supported me through it all even when I wanted to give up on my dream of being a dancer. I’m not the best I could be but I’ll work harder for my parents and coaches who got me to this point.
Coach notes: Mickey has been on the varsity team for the past 3 years and is captain this year. She was chosen as an IDTA rising star last year because of her infectious energy and performance quality. She is able to shine in any style of dance she puts her mind to. She is always willing to stay after practice to help JV and any other tasks that need to be done.
ROSALIE MORAGA
Montini Broncettes Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 15
Favorite memory of being on your team? Hearing our name called for 2nd place in the 2A State Finals
Favorite skill to perform? Butterfly jump
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Aerial
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Jazz or contemporary
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Contemporary
Stuff you do when not dancing: 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? My coaches Eugenia Scavone and Carrie Pinole for pushing me and always believing in me
Coach notes: Rosalie is a 4 year varsity team member. She has participated in choreography and is a senior leader. Rosalie is a passionate performer with strong technical skills. She works hard at practice and leads by example. Rosalie excels at teaching and breaking down choreography and skills. She hopes to continue dancing in college.
MAYA MORALES
Argo Varsity Sailorettes / SR.
Years dancing: 6
Favorite memory of being on your team? Making day 2 at IHSA state
Favorite skill to perform? Kicks
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Aerial
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Pom
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Pom
Stuff you do when not dancing: Travel
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? Mrs. Palmer
Coach notes: Maya has been a member of the Sailorettes for 4 years. This year she is a captain and has given extra hours to the team. She is dedicated and talented and has earned the respect of 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. Maya has natural leadership qualities and we were lucky to be able to witness those qualities in action this year.
ABBEY MORTLAND
Highland Varsity Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 14
Favorite memory of being on your team? Watching all of our hard work pay off my freshman year when we won State for IHSA and my senior year when we got first runner-up at IHSA State.
Favorite skill to perform? A turning firebird
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Any type of turn–I had to work really hard.
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Lyrical/Contemporary
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Lyrical/Contemporary
Stuff you do when not dancing: Bake
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? Starlight Dance Studio, the whole Trout family, my Mom and my Dad and my dance team coaches Cotto and Carrie
Coach notes: Abbey was a dedicated dancer to the varsity team since her freshman year of high school. While dancing in high school, Abbey also took lessons and taught at Starlight Dance Studio. She is a 2 time IDTA Grand Champion, 3 time IHSA Sectional winner, Class 1A IHSA Champion (2018) and Class 1A IHSA Runner-up (2021). Abbey has been an incredible captain this year leading her team to a IHSA 2nd place finish. Abbey will attend Missouri Baptist next year. She will be a member of their dance team. Her plans are to major in accounting with minors in business and dance.
KRISTEN MYERS
Romeoville Spartanettes Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 15
Favorite memory of being on your team? Going to IHSA state in 2020
Favorite skill to perform? Head kip, kip-up or aerial
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? I had to work extra hard on getting my aerial but once I got it it was so worth it .
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Contemporary / hip hop
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Hip hop
Stuff you do when not dancing: Playing with my dog and 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? I would like to thank every dance teacher that has helped me get to where I am today . Without them I would have no foundation of dance and with their support they helped me build confidence in myself and I grew as a dancer .
Coach notes: Phenomenal dancer who respects her coaches & teammates. She is a true leader & great role model for her younger teammates.
COURTNEY NELSON
Belleville East Lancer Dancers / SR.
Years dancing: 4 on dance team, 15 years total
Favorite memory of being on your team? Some of my favorite memories are the trips to IDTA State. These trips were the times where our team could bond the strongest and really get to know each other!
Favorite skill to perform? One of my favorite skills to perform are turns in second
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? I had to work extra hard to get my tilt leg hold.
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? I love performing lyrical / contemporary.
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? I really enjoy watching kick!
Stuff you do when not dancing: When I am not dancing, I like to spend time with friends and family, scroll through social media, and go shopping.
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? I would like to give a big mention to Patti Harrington, the owner of Belleville School of Ballet. Ms. Patti has shaped me into the dancer I am today and I appreciate her for giving me the love I have for ballet.
Coach notes: Courtney Nelson serves as one of our team captains for both the competition and performance dance teams. She has been a member of the Lancer Dancers all four years of high school. She works extremely hard in practice and strives to help the team become the best dancers that they can be!
MORIAH NESBITT
Lisle Lionettes Dance Team / SR.
Coach notes: Moriah is such a hard working dancer and a dedicated teammate. She comes to every practice ready to work and gives 110%. Though she is new to dance and our team she fits right in! She is a great teammate and a wonderful addition to our team!
NATALIE NIGOHOSIAN
Andrew Varsity Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 14
Favorite memory of being on your team? Junior year when we won sectionals and were screaming all the way back to our dressing room
Favorite skill to perform? Turns!
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? My aerial and quad
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Jazz
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Contemporary
Stuff you do when not dancing: Workout, hang with friends, bake
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? Coach Mattix for believing in me since day 1 when I was a little freshman and could hardly do a triple pirouette 🙂
Coach notes: Natalie is a 4-year member of the varsity dance team. She has great technique and awesome showmanship and performance quality. She works hard and loves to dance!
KARLI O’CONNELL
Joliet West Varsity Tiger Dance Team / SR.
Coach notes: Talented, enthusiastic and driven. Never misses an opportunity to improve herself and her team.
LILLY O’DONNELL
Hinsdale South Danceline / SR.
Years dancing: 7
Favorite memory of being on your team? Staying in the hotel and doing team bonding before state
Favorite skill to perform? An aerial
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? A headspring
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Pom
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Lyrical
Stuff you do when not dancing: Hang out 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? I’d like to thank Coach Gillette for pushing me and challenging me each year to be a better dancer and my teammates and family for always making me laugh and smile even when times throughout the season were tough
Coach notes: In addition to being a star on the dance floor, Lilly leads with a humble sense of character and is respected by peers and coaches alike. Since her freshman year, Lilly has been an outstanding asset to our team.
LAUREN OVCINA
Palatine Poms / FR.
Coach notes: Lauren Ovcina is a freshman this year on varsity. She has grown as a dancer and shows such high potential at such a young age.