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SHYAM VACHHANI
Bradley Bourbonnais Boilermakers Dance Team / SO.
Years dancing: 13
Favorite memory of being on your team? Performing at football games.
Favorite skill to perform? Aerial
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Contemporary
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Hip hop
Stuff you do when not dancing: Outside of dance, I participate in Best Buddies and Student Council.
Coach notes: Shyam has been on the Varsity team since his freshman year. This year Shyam stepped up and brought the vision and choreography for our competition routine. Shyam is always up for trying new skills or choreography and his love of dance is infectious! He is always pushing his team to give it their all, but also brings a fun and lighthearted attitude to each practice. We are looking forward to having him as a member and leader of our team for the next few years!
MADDY VERCELLI
Joliet Catholic Academy Dance Team / SO.
Years dancing: 14
Favorite memory of being on your team? Earning podium Freshman and Sophomore year
Favorite skill to perform? My favorite skill to perform is turning!
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? I had to work extra hard on jumping.
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Jazz and pom are my favorite styles to perform.
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? I love to watch pom!
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?: I would like to thank my Mom, Dad and coaches (Kelsey Kunz, Carley Serena, and Nikki Silva) for continuing to push me to be the best I can be and believe in me and my goals!
Coach notes: Maddy is an all-around team player. This athlete holds herself accountable for her own dreams and goals as well as her teams. Maddy will be the first one to the floor and the last one to leave. We are proud to have this dedicated athlete on our team!
JADYN VRBANCIC
Northside College Prep Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 7
Favorite memory of being on your team? Competing at IHSA State last year!
Favorite skill to perform? Turning discs are my specialty!
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get?: Turns with changing spots were pretty hard for me at first.
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Contemporary
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Jazz
Stuff you do when not dancing: Because of Covid, I’ve had a lot more time to spend with 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 Coach Duerst and all my teachers at Visceral Dance Center.
Coach notes: Jadyn has been an exemplary member of my dance team since her sophomore year of high school, demonstrating to be an outstanding dancer and natural leader. At the young age of ten, Jadyn found her true passion for dancing. Jadyn’s adoration of the sport (and years of intense classes) eventually led her to make the pre-professional award-winning Visceral Studio Company, which is comprised of elite youth members from the greater Chicago area. When Jadyn decided that she also wanted to audition for Northside’s competitive dance team, she was already putting in 20-30 hours of weekly training into her studio company. After just one year of being on the team, I undoubtedly selected Jadyn to be a captain. Her incredible commitment, dedication, and unbelievable talent and technical ability stood out her first year on the team, and she continues to exhibit these qualities to an even greater extent in her role as captain. For example, despite training at her studio for an immense amount of hours, Jadyn has never missed a practice, event, or competition. She cares deeply about the team’s success, and works tirelessly to ensure that she takes time providing each individual member with specific, valuable feedback that will move the entire group forward. If Jadyn misses one turn or jump while practicing the routine, she immediately does five turns or jumps right after the music stops. In my five years of coaching, she is one of the hardest, most humble dancers I have worked with.
HAILEY VROLYK
Harlem Varsity Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 6 years
Favorite memory of being on your team? My favorite memory of being on my team is when we won NIC 10 my sophomore year as well as team bonding whether it be at sleepovers or bus rides to competitions or through how often we were together when practicing our competitive routines.
Favorite skill to perform? Jumping and leaps!
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Reverse directionals
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Lyrical
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Hip hop
Stuff you do when not dancing: I love to paint and do art in my free time as well as practice photography
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? I’d really like to thank Studio 11 as well as my school dance coaches: Summer, Madison, Cassie, and Chelsea. I started dance as a 7th grader with little dance experience and my coaches helped me grow. They saw the potential I had and constantly challenged me with new skills they knew I’d be able to get. I also have the most supportive parents who have always been my number one fans and always pushed me to do better and supported me no matter what.
Coach notes: Hailey is a wonderful leader on our team, staying positive though the tough times in the dance world.
ASHLYN WALLERICH
Gardner-South Wilmington Pantherette Spiritline / SR.
Years dancing: 11
Favorite memory of being on your team? Receiving 2 state titles!!
Favorite skill to perform? Calypso
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Spinning c-jump
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Jazz!
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Lyrical
Stuff you do when not dancing: Fishing and shopping!
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? I’d like to mention my old studio, Donna Mueller’s School of Dance, for pushing me to be the best dancer I can be. I would also like to thank all my coaches for giving me the confidence to dance the way I do today.
Coach notes: Ashlyn has worked so hard this season to be a positive role model for the underclassmen on the team. Even though so much has been taken away from them this year she still manages to see the positives in every situation and she always keeps practice fun with her humor. Ashlyn is a beautiful dancer but when asked to perform a solo in front of an audience it would always cause her major anxiety. When sports got shut down she decided she would do a solo and compete with IDTA. She learned her routine through a video and practiced multiple times a week on her own in our school gym to master her choreography. I was so proud of her for challenging herself at a time when we did not even know if there would be a competition season for our team. She took this as an opportunity to challenge herself because at the time we did not know if that would be the only opportunity for her to compete. She is incredibly deserving of this honor.
CASIE WALSH
Joliet Central Steelettes Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 4
Favorite memory of being on your team? My favorite memory was performing the senior night dance last year at the last home basketball game I danced in due to Covid. I loved the routine we performed and I loved all the girls!!!!!
Favorite skill to perform? My favorite is leaps or a heel stretch.
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? I had to work extra hard to get my seconds.
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? I love performing hip hop.
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? I love to watch hip hop or lyrical.
Stuff you do when not dancing: I play volleyball and softball in the off season when dance is over. I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends.
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? Coach Phillips has been such an amazing coach, teacher, and person in the 4 years that I spent with her. Coach Straw had helped me to get in the best shape ever during our dance season and really helped to focus on the minor details of our performance.
Coach notes: Casie is one of our two seniors on the Steelette Dance team. She has been in our dance program for the past four years and a Varsity dancer for the past three years. Every year, she truly amazes us with her growth as a technical dancer and a leader on the team. She will be greatly missed next year!
SYDNEY WALTERS
Stagg Chargerettes Dance Team / JR.
Coach notes: Sydney was one of our captains and choreographers this season. She really stepped into this role with a lot of leadership. Sydney is very vocal and is always willing to give feedback to her teammates. Whether we were in person or virtual, Sydney always kept her eye on the goal and never stopped working hard.
MEGAN WARNER
Fremd Dance Team / SO.
Coach notes: Megan started Freshman year very shy. She stepped out of her box this year. She choreographed combos, lead us in technique and choreographed the JV competition routine. She cares about our program and her team.
CIARA WEBER
Prairie Ridge Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 14 dancing, 2 on the team
Favorite memory of being on your team? UDA camp junior year
Favorite skill to perform? A la secondes
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Drag down turns
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Contemporary
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Jazz
Stuff you do when not dancing: I love hiking, watching movies, being outside, 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? Both of my coaches Bri and Mel, and all the teachers at Cary Grove Performing Arts Academy who have helped me get to where I am today.
Coach notes: Dedicated, willing to try new things, solid skills across the board, supportive of other dancers
TALLORY WENDELL
Belvidere Dance Team / JR.
Years dancing: 14 years
Favorite memory of being on your team? My favorite memory of being on the team was right before we filmed our first competition dance. We all had a wide range of emotions but in the end it was a really fun and great way to start the season.
Favorite skill to perform? My favorite skill to perform is either a switch leap or a reverse leap.
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? I’ve had to work pretty hard to get and maintain consistent pirouettes.
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? My favorite style of dance to perform is jazz.
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? My favorite style to watch is contemporary or ballet.
Stuff you do when not dancing: When not dancing I like to read and play with my dog.
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? I wouldn’t be the dancer I am today if it wasn’t for my parents, Coach Carli, my teammates, and my dance teachers at Beth Fowler School of Dance.
Coach notes: Tallory is a very talented dancer that we were lucky to have on the team this season due to Covid rule changes. She will return to the team next year and as a senior I can’t imagine what she will have in store for us. In addition to the skill level of dance that she brings to the table, Tallory has developed into a great team leader, her dedication and commitment to the team are untouched, and she is a sweet young lady.
BRIANNA WETZLER
Eureka Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 6 in school, 15 in total
Favorite memory of being on your team? The 2019 Varsity Spirit Spectacular and being the first team in our school’s history to qualify for IHSA state.
Favorite skill to perform? Reverse spot turns in second
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Turns in second into an illusion
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Contemporary
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Pom or jazz
Stuff you do when not dancing: Hang out with friends and play with my dog
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? My coach, Mrs. Hack, has supported me and pushed me to become the person and dancer I am today. It’s going to be hard leaving her after 6 years with her!
Coach notes: Brianna is a 4 year Eureka High School Competitive Dancer. She is a current captain on the competitive team and was a captain in training last season. She has been on teams that have qualified for IHSA State for the past three years and IDTA State all four years. Bri’s studio background has helped her learn choreography quickly, as well as take corrections and feedback from her coaches. She is a dancer who is not afraid to try new skills or challenge herself. She is a confident, spunky leader who wants the best for teammates and herself. Bri has also helped choreograph competitive routines since her sophomore year and assisted with choreographing all 3 routines that qualified this season for IDTA State. This season she competed her self-choreographed solo at two IDTA Competitions and qualified both times for State. Bri is planning to attend ISU in the Fall and has plans to tryout for their dance team. She has grown into a confident, beautiful athlete and I believe she would be a great addition to the 8 Count Audio All State Dance Team.
EMERALD WHALEY
Montini Broncettes Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 13 years
Favorite memory of being on your team? Taking podium three times out of my four years
Favorite skill to perform? I love turning!
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Reverse seconds
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Jazz
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Contemporary
Stuff you do when not dancing: I work as a camp counselor. Even when I’m at work I’m still dancing around or making the kids want to dance with me!
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? My mom and my sister — I couldn’t do it without them.
Coach notes: Emerald is a 4 year varsity team member. She has participated in choreography and is a senior leader. Emerald is a charismatic performer. She brings strong technical skills and can turn for days. Emerald’s vivacious energy inspires the team to push through challenges. She hopes to continue dancing in college.
ZOE WHITE
Centralia Hip Hop Squad / JR.
Years dancing: 6
Favorite memory of being on your team? State 2020 was absolutely amazing. The whole weekend was a fun experience and we actually won. It was the greatest feeling I’ve ever experienced.
Favorite skill to perform? I love performing stunts. I’ve done them for forever and there is just something thrilling about flying through the air.
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? I had to work extra hard to get any tumbling I have. My back handspring was the hardest skill to get because I had to get over my fears.
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? I absolutely love performing hip hop. There are so many styles of hip hop and I always get so excited to try a new style.
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? I love watching a good contemporary number. Contemporary just spreads so much emotion and not every dancer can do that. Contemporary is just as much acting as dancing.
Stuff you do when not dancing: While I’m not at dance practice I love making art. The art I do the most is magazine art. I take words and pictures to make a story line. They could be from completely different articles and I connect them.
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? My coach, Keith Johnson. He is the reason I got into dance and is still my coach to this day. I would not be the dancer I am today without him.
Coach notes: 100% effort. Part of 3 All-State teams, top-ranked AA hip hop team in the state. Mentally and kinesthetically strong. Dedicated to her craft. Strives for perfection. Understanding. Not shy of a good challenge.
ALEX WHITWORTH
Burlington Central Dance Team / JR.
Years dancing: 15 years
Favorite memory of being on your team? Making it to day two of state freshman year!
Favorite skill to perform? Second turns
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Yes, my front aerial
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Contemporary
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Contemporary
Stuff you do when not dancing: Read 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? Beth Fowler School of Dance
Coach notes: Alex is a phenomenal dancer and leader on the Burlington Central dance team. She is a role model that others look up to. As a captain, she has been such a supportive and positive influence to her peers. Her technique is absolutely stunning and her leaps, jumps and extensions are just jaw dropping.
ANNALISE WILLIAMS
Elmwood Poms / SR.
Years dancing: 14
Favorite memory of being on your team? Making school history at IHSA State in 2020 and not only making it to Day 2 Finals, but placing 8th in the state.
Favorite skill to perform? A la seconde turns
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Turning spot a la seconde turns
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Pom
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Pom or lyrical
Stuff you do when not dancing: I play the piano, sing, cheer during football season, and love on my three cats 🙂
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? Sue Basalay and The Susan Basalay School of Dance, Chelsey Jones, and Emily Roberts
Coach notes: Annie joined our team sophomore year, and has been a big role player ever since. Annie is one of our only dancers with actual dance experience so I would rely on her to help me with the technical elements and teach younger members how to correctly execute our moves.
MAGGIE WILLIAMS
Murphysboro Devil Dazzlers Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 4 years in high school, 7 years through studio
Favorite memory of being on your team? Being a Devil Dazzler is such a heartwarming experience because of how many friendships I have made, and the bond between our team is incredible. There is never a moment where we are not laughing and cherishing our moments together. My favorite memories include Friday night football, and our state competitions where we have so many opportunities to bond and spend quality team time together.
Favorite skill to perform? Aerials and anything acrobatic!
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? I had to increase my flexibility a lot throughout my season to be able to expand my jumps and leg holds
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Jazz
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Lyrical
Stuff you do when not dancing: Playing volleyball, spending time with friends, and preparing for college through many extra classes and study time!
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? Devil Dazzlers coaches Carleigh Schimpf, Emily Novara, and previous coach Loretta Ingebrigtsen for their endless support and guidance towards expanding my dancing abilities and teaching me valuable knowledge on team leadership, self reliance and becoming a role model for others.
Coach notes: Maggie is an exceptional dancer with immense talent, dedication, and leadership qualities. Aside from being a phenomenal dancer, she is also a wonderful student, ranking in the top 10 of her class. Maggie should definitely be an all-state dancer–no one is more deserving.
RACHEL WISNER
Maroa-Forsyth Trojanettes Dance Team / JR.
Years dancing: 13
Favorite memory of being on your team? Performing at competitions
Favorite skill to perform? A-turns
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Oversplits
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Sassy jazz
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Hip Hop
Stuff you do when not dancing: In my free time, I enjoy baking, cooking, working out, outdoor activities, and hanging out 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, and my number one supporters, my parents.
Coach notes: Rachel is constantly pushing herself to learn new skills and perfect choreography. She has a strong studio dance background, which has given her an amazing work ethic. She is always quick to help her teammates become better dancers, and does this with a positive attitude.
KATIE WOELFFER
St. Charles East Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 15
Favorite memory of being on your team? Winning sectionals in 2019!
Favorite skill to perform? Second turn combos
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Leg hold turns
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Contemporary or lyrical!
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Hard hitting contemporary
Stuff you do when not dancing: Movie nights with my friends!
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? I’m super thankful for Hannah Bohn and Kari Batka for being amazing coaches and for always pushing me to be my best!
Coach notes: Varsity 4-year member
KAITLYN WOODS
St. Charles East Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 14
Favorite memory of being on your team? In general I have loved all the friendships and lifelong bonds I have made with my teammates! One specific favorite memory I have is winning sectionals my sophomore in 2019! It was even better than imagined because the win was so unexpected!
Favorite skill to perform? I love performing all types of skills like jumps, turns, flexibility, and even some acro!
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? All skills came with time of course but something I had to work a little extra to get was my aerial. Now that I have it, I can whip it out whenever asked, no problem!
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? My favorite styles of dance to preform is contemporary or lyrical because those are my strong suits!
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? My favorite style of dance to watch is hard hitting contemporary or hip hop!
Stuff you do when not dancing: When I am not dancing I like to spend as much time with friends as I can. I also like watching shows and movies on Netflix, spending time with family, and traveling!
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 putting me in dance at a young age. I would also like to thank all of my coaches including the more recent ones, Kari Batka and Hannah Bohn, for pushing me to my fullest potential! I couldn’t have grown this much as a dancer without them! Love you all!
Coach notes: 4-year varsity member
MADDIE YUNKER
Batavia Dance Team / SR.
Coach notes: To best sum up Maddie is she leads by example. She goes full out at practice and gives 100% effort. Throughout my time coaching Maddie, there has never been a job too big or small that she would not do for her team to assist them in reaching their goals. The title captain is not a symbol or a star, but a position to serve. Her selfless acts to assist new members on varsity has been invaluable to our team’s increased skill set which has allowed us to succeed. Her approachable but no nonsense leadership style has aided in our team’s discipline and has made us a stronger minded program. Maddie has served on our choreography team for 4 years and her creative eye is outstanding. It has been a blessing to have had the opportunity to work with such a talented, dedicated and overall amazing dancer. She is a coach’s dream for a captain and teammate. The challenges of Covid have hit our team hard during our short competitive season but Maddie and our other captain NEVER stopped being positive and thinking how to make it special for their team. I could not imagine any of my other past captains handling this year as well as Maddie. She has been a coach’s dream all 4 years.
KATE YURKOVICH
Elmwood Poms / SR.
Years dancing: 4
Favorite memory of being on your team? Going to finals in IHSA state my junior year
Favorite skill to perform? Turning disc
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Turns in second
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Pom of course!
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Lyrical
Stuff you do when not dancing: I enjoy hanging out with friends and shopping
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? Coach Emily Roberts
Coach notes: Kate has been an integral part of our dance team for 4 years. She started off as our “jumper” and worked on her other skills to where now she is our point dancer. Kate invests time into corrections and choreography — helping us to make changes to each routine for the betterment of our team.
KARISSA ZAFIRIOU
West Chicago Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 3
Favorite memory of being on your team? Placing top 3 at conference
Favorite skill to perform? Pirouettes/Seconds
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? Seconds
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Hip hop
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Jazz
Stuff you do when not dancing: Study, hang out with friends and work
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? I wouldn’t be the dancer or person I am today without the tireless guidance and support from my dance coach, Laura Heavey<3
Coach notes: Where do I even begin with Karissa Zafiriou? She came to our program from Cheerleading her sophomore year. Karissa did not have the technique that many of the other dancers had in the beginning, but she worked harder than anyone I know to become a fantastic, strong dancer. She would stay after practice, take classes at a local dance studio, and dance in her bedroom at home. If you envision an “athletic” dancer then you are envisioning Karissa. She never makes excuses and is always pushing dancers around her to be the best versions of themselves. Karissa is a turner and loves doing hip hop tricks. Karissa Zafiriou is your girl!
AVA ZAWILENSKI
St. Viator Dance Team / SR.
Years dancing: 13
Favorite memory of being on your team? Getting second at sectionals with my team
Favorite skill to perform? Any type of 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 or hip hop
Stuff you do when not dancing: Sing, listen to music, sleep, and watch Netflix
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? Thank you to my parents, my friends and teammates, and Coach Maggie and Carlee for building such a strong team in a very hard time!
Coach notes: Absolutely amazing. Beautiful turns, extensions and jumps. Overall an outstanding dancer and team leader.
KARLEE ZERNICKE
Rockford Jefferson Dance Team / SO.
Years dancing: 7
Favorite memory of being on your team? Performing with my team
Favorite skill to perform? Any type of leap or jump.
Is there a skill that you had to work extra hard to get? A la seconde turns
Favorite style of dance to PERFORM? Contemporary
Favorite style of dance to WATCH? Hip hop
Stuff you do when not dancing: I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and my dogs.
Any studios, dance teachers, or supporters you’d like to mention that helped you get to where you are today? I would not be here today without my dance studio “Steps to Grace.” Also, my amazing dance teachers/coach. They have all helped me grow so much as a dancer! I would also like to say thank you to my parents for continuously supporting me throughout these years!!
Coach notes: She is very shy but once she hits the dance floor, she lights the place up. She is very experienced in lyrical and contemporary and she brings her talented moves to the team.
HAYLEY ZONDOR
Glenbard East Ramettes Dance Team / SR.
Coach notes: Hayley has become an incredible leader this year. It has been amazing to watch her crack open her shell and become a confident and strong dancer. She is one of the best examples of what it means to be a Ramette.
NINA ZOPPI
Riverside-Brookfield Pupettes Dance Team / JR.
Years dancing: 14 years
Favorite memory of being on your team? My favorite memory was going to state freshman year and bonding with my team.
Favorite skill to perform? Kip-up
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? Ballroom or contemporary
Stuff you do when not dancing: When I’m not dancing I spend time with friends and family and work on school.
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 Impact Dance Studio, Ms. Dall, Ms. Niccum, Ms. Sherman, and my parents.
Coach notes: Always has a positive attitude and willing to try anything. Is respectful and efficient during practices.