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ANNIKA PADRUTT
Maroa-Forsyth Trojanettes Dance Team / SO.
Years dancing: 12 years
Favorite memory of being on your team? My favorite memory is getting to compete with my team!
Favorite skill to perform? Turns
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? An aerial!
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Jazz
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Lyrical
Stuff you do when not dancing: I stretch and hang out with friends
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? My coach, Tarin Mills!
Coach notes: Annika has flawless technique and is constantly pushing herself to perfect new skills. She has a sharp mind for picking up choreography, and she works at it relentlessly until the combinations become second nature. She is also a phenomenal teammate who never fails to help out other dancers with technical pointers or positive comments.
RACHEL PASZKOWSKI
Plainfield East Bengalettes Dance Team / SO.
Years dancing: 13
Favorite memory of being on your team? Recording for state for the 20-21 season. All of my teammates and I had such an amazing time and experience with each other. We all worked so hard throughout the season to get to that moment.
Favorite skill to perform? Turns
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? My second turns. I worked so hard outside of dance to get them as consistent as they are now.
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Jazz and contemporary
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Tap
Stuff you do when not dancing: Watching tv 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? Freedom of Movement Dance Company, Ms. Ashley, and my family. All of them have always supported and pushed me to become the best dancer I possibly could be.
Coach notes: Though she is quiet and a tad bit shy, SHE IS A POWERHOUSE! She has amazing extensions and is a very strong LEFT turner. One thing I really appreciate about Rachel is that she is an excellent team player. She always wants what is best for the team and believes in building close bonds on and off the dance floor. When she dances you can tell this is what she was meant to do. I can’t wait to see how she excels within her last two years on this team.
SAVANNAH PATEL
Huntley Raider Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: I have been dancing for 15 years
Favorite memory of being on your team? My favorite memory of being on the team is practice before leaving for state! The whole team was so pumped and excited to perform at state!
Favorite skill to perform? My favorite skill to perform is headsprings
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? I 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 run long distances
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 for helping me push myself to reach my goals.
Coach notes: Savannah is a captain of the Huntley Raiders Dance Team. She is a leader and a great teammate. She has worked extremely hard since the very 1st day she became a part of our team. She is a role model for her team and they look up to her. She has earned many accomplishments, including MVP and All Conference Athlete. She has helped us earn back to back FVC Championships and also qualify for state and place in top 12 every year. Savannah is dedicated and passionate about everything she does. She will leave behind a legacy that she helped create and a lasting mark on this team. We love her so much.
TEAGAN PENNINGTON
CARY-GROVE VARSITY DANCE TEAM / SR.
Coach notes: She is one of my captains and such an amazing leader to my team! Always thinks of her teammates and very creative with choreography. Never afraid to try something new and always thinking of ways to help make our routines challenging and unique. Encourages her teammates to give it their all and put their best foot forward.
ANGELA PEREZ
Oswego Pantherettes Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 14
Favorite memory of being on your team? Trying every smoothie flavor at every competition.
Favorite skill to perform? Leaps
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? Pom
Stuff you do when not dancing: I am a competitive figure skater and I also love to bake! Reading, painting, and hanging out with friends
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? All of the instructors at Virtues in Motion Dance Studio, my coaches, and my parents and family!
Coach notes: Angela is committed to dance and has strong technique. She is poised and a strong leader for her teammates. She has been a part of the Pantherettes competitive dance team for 4 years.
ANNA PHIFER
Downers Grove South Fillies Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 15
Favorite memory of being on your team? Crazy night at UDA camp 2019, everything just went crazy!!!
Favorite skill to perform? A la secondes
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? My turning disc. I worked so hard on my flexibility and wore ankle weights every practice to make it better!
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? I love performing contemporary!
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? I love watching pom!
Stuff you do when not dancing: Painting, working out/running, 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? Dawn Jovic, Ashley Payne, Ashley Fitzpatrick
Coach notes: Anna is one of our captains this year
EMILY PICKRUM
Lincoln-Way Central Rhythm Knights Dance Team / FR.
Coach notes: Emily was our only freshman on the competitive team this year and we all know how crazy this year has been so it couldn’t have been an easy start for her. Despite this very weird season and all the uncertainty she is one of the hardest workers I have ever had on the team and she was even featured in one of our standout solos in our routine.
JACKIE PIENTA
Mundelein Varsity Dance Team / SO.
Years dancing: 12, on my 13th
Favorite memory of being on your team? My favorite memory on the team was our viewing party for state this year! It was amazing to make podium, celebrate with my team, and make school history!
Favorite skill to perform? Headspring or anything back-related
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? In general, pointing my feet all the way as I was born with flat feet.
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Contemporary!
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Contemporary or Jazz
Stuff you do when not dancing: Hang out with friends, paint, cooking, listening to music, and spending time with my dog, Rosie.
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 and dad for emotionally, and physically, supporting my dance ventures and always being there to cheer me on! Big shoutout to my amazing coaches and dance teachers who have taught me discipline, strength, determination, and my technique as well as my teammates, who never fail to make me smile and remember why I love to dance!
Coach notes: Jackie is a talented dancer who is always willing to try new skills, push herself, and show up for her team.
MADDI PILCH
Morris Dance Team / JR.
Years dancing: 8
Favorite memory of being on your team? Placing as first runner-up last year at state
Favorite skill to perform? Turns
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Aerial
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Contemporary
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Contemporary
Stuff you do when not dancing: When I am not dancing I love helping out at my church, and eating Chick-Fil-A with my friends.
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? Megan Post, Haley Hanson, and TNT dance studio.
Coach notes: Maddi is the pillar of our program. She’s really taken to her role as a captain after the team chose her as their leader. She is always the first one to give choreography ideas, pump up the girls, and is someone I can rely on in and out of practice.
KATELYN POCH
Waubonsie Valley Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: I have been dancing for 16 years
Favorite memory of being on your team? One of my favorite memories when we qualified for state finals my junior year! Just hearing them call our names felt so rewarding.
Favorite skill to perform? I love anything with legs
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Turn sequences are typically my weakness, but they have progressively gotten better and better the more I’ve practiced!
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? My favorite style to perform is definitely lyrical/contemporary; it just conveys a lot of emotions which is so fun to perform and tell the story
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? My favorite style to watch has to be hip hop! It’s always so high energy.
Stuff you do when not dancing: When I’m not dancing I have probably still thinking about dance!
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? All of the coaches I’ve had through my years on WVDT!
Coach notes: Katelyn Poch is my senior captain and was my junior captain last year. She is hardworking, dedicated, helpful and persistent. She tries her best to be the best dancer and leader for the team. She has been so helpful for the girls AND the coaches over the years.
TAYLOR PONTO
Rochelle Chellettes Dance Team / JR.
Years dancing: 10 years
Favorite memory of being on your team? Making it to state for three years and growing closer with my teammates each time.
Favorite skill to perform? A la secondes and pirouettes
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? It took me a lot of practice to get my leg hold turn.
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Lyrical
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Lyrical and hip hop
Stuff you do when not dancing: Reading, bike riding, and spending time with my cats
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? Kass Smith has coached me since I first started dancing, and she is now my coach for high school. She always has high expectations for me even when I doubt myself, and she never stops pushing me to improve.
Coach notes: Goes above and beyond to better herself daily. She is becoming a great leader and really helps break down things to the newbies or girls that are learning a new skill. She is the most kindhearted human I know.
ALYSSA PRANCZKE
Grant Varsity Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 12 years total, plus the 4 years on dance team
Favorite memory of being on your team? Getting to bond with my entire team for all 4 years, and having all these football games and competitions and just feeling that rush of preforming, and all the prepping for it. I also love when our team has fun little moments during practice that make each other laugh, and that make me realize how much this team means to me.
Favorite skill to perform? I would say in general, hip hop skills and just mixing together all the different dancing combos and trick combos.
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? A skill that took lots of progress and time were handstands and head spins. Those are now tricks I have but you can always level them up and make them into many different forms and difficulty.
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Hip hop
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Hip hop
Stuff you do when not dancing: When I am not dancing I like to keep everything in my life organized, and keep myself busy and find things to do. I also enjoy taking pictures and finding fun things to do 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 have always been there for me during my dance team journey, and were always the ones motivating me and helping me push as hard as I could, and teaching me how to become a leader as well. My teammates have also been there for me in making dance a fun environment while motivating us to do our best.
Coach notes: Alyssa’s dance journey over the past 4 years demonstrates constant fearlessness, commitment and positivity. She is an unforgettable teammate and performer. We are so glad to have this experience of competition let alone State for her senior year.
MAEVE PREDERGAST
Marist Varsity Poms and Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 16 years
Favorite memory of being on your team? Going to and dancing at State.
Favorite skill to perform? Seconde turns, leg hold turns, leaps, switch arabesque, firebirds
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? I am left handed, so I had to work hard to strengthen my right-sided skills. I can now do both sides evenly and equally well.
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Jazz or contemporary
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Jazz or contemporary
Stuff you do when not dancing: Choreographing, school work and studying, working, spending time with friends and family, working out
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 my coaches on the Marist Poms team and my teachers at Dance Gallery Chicago and American Dance Center for helping me get to where I am today.
Coach notes: A four-year Varsity athlete, Maeve has gorgeous ambidextrous technique, graceful control in her movements, and incomparable flexibility! She is a humble perfectionist who never rests until her best gets better, even when the skill is already perfect! Maeve captivates the audience with textbook perfect leg hold turns and amazing flexibility. She leads her team through action by demonstrating the importance of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Maeve has been a joy to coach these past four years.
MADDIE REDPATH
Downers Grove North Athenas Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 4
Favorite skill to perform? Acro tricks and flexibility tricks
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? A la secondes
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Jazz
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Contemporary
Stuff you do when not dancing: Workout, fish, work
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? Deedee Johnson – she has kept me motivated and helped me through everything dance-related and personal-related.
Coach notes: She is creative, motivating, and talented. Always willing to help another dancer and prepared for practice and performances.
EMMA REIMER
Bolingbrook Raiderettes Dance Team / SO.
Years dancing: 13 years
Favorite memory of being on your team? Meeting new friends
Favorite skill to perform? Jumps in general
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Having more flexibility
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Either contemporary or jazz
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? My favorite style to watch is any–I love watching dance in general.
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? Kinetic Dance Company
Coach notes: Emma is a very poised, multi-talented, phenomenal dancer.
SAMMIE REINSTEIN
Vernon Hills Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 16 years
Favorite memory of being on your team? My favorite memory would have to be when we choreograph dances for elementary schoolers and middle schoolers in the community through a program called Junior Cougar. We then participate in a performance in which we perform with them at a football game.
Favorite skill to perform? Tilt Jump
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Changing spot turns in second
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Contemporary
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Tap or pointe
Stuff you do when not dancing: When I am not dancing, I participate in a fellowship focused on gender equality, and I volunteer on political campaigns. Also, I listen to music, read, and play with my dog, Tory, in my free time.
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? All of the coaches that I ever had at Vernon Hills High School, all of my dance teachers from Talent Forum, and all of my amazing teammates
Coach notes: This dancer has proven that hard work can really push you forward in a program. She continuously goes full out even when we are marking through material. She’s a silent leader and deserving to be honored this year!
CHARLOTTE REYNOLDS
Carl Sandburg Eaglettes Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 7
Favorite memory of being on your team? Being captain my sophomore year and winning conference!
Favorite skill to perform? Switch tilt!
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Yes! Over quarantine I was determined to get my needle.
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Intense jazz
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Intense jazz
Stuff you do when not dancing: Volunteer
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? Thank you to my coaches and teammates for believing in me!
Coach notes: Charlotte is a leader of our dance team who is not only a phenomenal dancer, she is a creative choreographer as well! She is planning on majoring and competing in dance in college.
MONSE REYNOSO
Grayslake North Dance Team / SR.
Coach notes: Monse is one of our varsity captains. She has grown as a dancer and leader over the past three years. We are so proud of her!
BRAELAN RICE
Seneca Dance Team / SR.
Coach notes: Braelan has been a member of the dance team for 4 years. She is a true leader on the floor and off. Her beautiful style is captivating!
KENDALL RINK
Sycamore Spartanettes Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: I have been dancing for 15 years
Favorite memory of being on your team? My favorite memory is all our trips to State (or watching together virtually this year)
Favorite skill to perform? My favorite skill to perform is fouetté / second turns
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? My aerial took a lot of hard work to get
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? My favorite style to perform is lyrical
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? My favorite style to watch is either hip hop or jazz
Stuff you do when not dancing: When I’m not dancing I’m either hanging with friends, playing with my puppy, or watching Netflix
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 my parents for supporting me and all the coaches I’ve had over the many years I’ve been dancing, specifically Kelly Meyers who has been my dance team coach these past 4 years in high school.
Coach notes:
KIMBERLY RISSER
Jacobs Varsity Dance Team / SR.
Coach notes: Kim is an inspiration to her teammates both on the floor and in the classroom. She is dedicated, determined, organized and a very positive leader. She has been a truly spectacular captain in this year of firsts for a growing Jacobs Dance Team!
EMMA RIVECCO
Plainfield Central Pomcats Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 16
Favorite memory of being on your team? Just getting close with everyone that is on the team and becoming more than girls we just dance with sometimes.
Favorite skill to perform? Any switch leaps
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? A flair jump
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Contemporary
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Contemporary
Stuff you do when not dancing: I work and go to school, hang out with my friends, and dance outside of school
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 at Starr Dance studio — they made me the dancer I am today and I can’t thank them enough. Also the coaches I had for my poms career. Katie Jeray started me on the journey and it’s been an amazing experience, and Amber Stambaugh is the reason our team fought so hard to be where we’re at and I appreciate everything and anything she does.
Coach notes: Emma is all heart and full out 100% of the time. She is a great team leader and extremely talented!
AVERY ROCK
Plainfield North Dance Team / JR.
Years dancing: 14 years
Favorite memory of being on your team? My favorite memory of being on the Plainfield North Dance Team was when I first performed at a high school competition. I have been competing with my studio since the age of 6, but hitting the dance floor as a high school athlete was a whole different ballgame.
Favorite skill to perform? Headsprings and aerials
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Every single day, I would go home and practice all types of turns. I wanted so badly to improve. They are still a work in progress, but I am proud of how far I have come.
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? I absolutely love performing lyrical.
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? I enjoy watching pom!!
Stuff you do when not dancing: I love to sing!! My favorite songs to sing are from Hamilton. I am also a model for Lily’ Talent Agency. I have modeled for Kohl’s, American Girl Doll, Walgreens and much more!!
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? I train at Inspire School of Dance. I would not be the dancer or person I am today without them. I would also like to mention Coach Gliwa. She has pushed me to be the best that I can be!!
Coach notes: She is a strong soloist and group dancer. Your eye is drawn immediately towards her movement quality and power.
ARIANNA RODRIGUEZ
Fremd Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 5
Favorite memory of being on your team? Spending time with my teammates during state or nationals, and the bus rides to competitions.
Favorite skill to perform? Turns
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Leaps
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Jazz
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Hip hop
Stuff you do when not dancing: Hang out with friends and 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? My mom and dad for supporting me in everything I do!
Coach notes: She was a leader during our COVID season. She was motivating and worked very hard. Arianna was a real team player and leader just when we needed her most.
LUCIA RODRIGUEZ
Warren Varsity Devilettes Dance Team / SR.
Coach notes: Lucia is not only talented and successful on the dance floor, but also in the classroom. She is a great leader that motivates and inspires others. She always has a great and positive attitude and lights up the room.
CONCETTA ROLFE
Prospect Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 15
Favorite memory of being on your team? Qualifying for state!
Favorite skill to perform? Second turns
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Triple pirouette
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Jazz
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Contemporary
Stuff you do when not dancing: Working out
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 Monnich and Coach Frericks for helping me get where I am today and always believing in me. I’ve had the best three years with them as my coaches–they have done so much!
Coach notes: Although Concetta was injured at the beginning of the season, she kept pushing and was able to dance for MSL and state. She is such a hard worker and is an amazing person inside and out!
SIERRA RUCKEL
Collinsville Kahok Dance Team / JR.
Coach notes: Has been a part of the Kahok Dance Team for three years. Her leadership skills are amazing. She is such a great influence for our underclassmen.
AVA RUCKER
IC Catholic Prep Lady Knights Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 6
Favorite memory of being on your team? Placing 7th in the state this year and getting to perform at football games with my best friends.
Favorite skill to perform? 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 splits and center leap.
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Lyrical
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Lyrical
Stuff you do when not dancing: I play softball, spend time with my friends and family, travel, read, and volunteer at the hospital.
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 (Lauren Caputo) for pushing me to be the best I can and always supporting me.
Coach notes:
LILLY RUDOLPH
Murphysboro Devil Dazzlers Dance Team / JR.
Years dancing: 3 years in high school, 14 years total.
Favorite memory of being on your team? Before we perform, we always go around in a circle and tell the girl next to us why we are proud of them. It always gets emotional because the girls on my team are so caring for one another; you see girls’ faces just light up as their hard work is recognized and appreciated by their teammates. It’s moments like those that I’ll remember long after high school.
Favorite skill to perform? A la seconde turns!
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Acro tricks/tricky floor work!
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Lyrical
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Lyrical
Stuff you do when not dancing: I also participate in volleyball and track which keeps me busy, but I occupy myself with school activities and time with loved ones.
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? Firstly, my mom. My mom has always worked so hard to ensure that I could pursue my dancing career. I remember being in elementary school and watching as mom worked 2 jobs and still managed to pick me up from dance practice on time. Not to mention she has probably sat through thousands of hours of dance competitions. Seeing her efforts to make me happy continues to push me to work hard and be kind to those around me every single day. She is the most amazing woman and I’m the luckiest girl to have her by my side through it all.
Secondly, Carleigh Schimpf (aka Coach Car). Going into Dazzlers my freshman year, I was hesitant on what to expect from this team. It was Coach Car’s first year coaching and everyone was questioning what the future of Dazzlers would look like. Words can’t explain what she has not only done for the team itself, but for the girls as individuals. There aren’t many coaches that devote themselves so much to a program and to all the athletes. She is constantly pushing us to be the best dancers and young women through empowerment and compassion. There is doubt in my mind that she helped me to become the dancer, and person, that I am today!
Coach notes: Lilly is a wonderful, extremely talented dancer with an incredible work ethic. From the moment she made the team her freshman year, she became a leader. Everyone looks up to Lilly and aspires to be like her in the most humbling way possible. Lilly is also an exceptional student, ranking top 10 in her class.
KYLIE RYDER
Sycamore Spartanettes Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 15 years
Favorite memory of being on your team? UDA camp ever summer before the season starts!!
Favorite skill to perform? Skate turn
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? Hip hop
Stuff you do when not dancing: Hang with friends, shopping, going outside
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? Hannah Bohn and Kelly Meyers
Coach notes: Kylie has been a leader since her freshman year. She pays attention to detail and counts very well. Her passion for dance is unmatched. She attends almost every college combine she’s presented with, and master classes on a regular basis. Kylie goes above and beyond to make her teammates feel special. She is genuine, kind and a beautiful dancer!