Ellie Redlingshafer
WASHINGTON PANTHERETTES DANCE TEAM (senior)
1ST TIME ON THE 8CA ALL-STATE DANCE TEAM
I have been dancing since I was 4 years old.
My favorite dance team memory from the 2023-2024 competition season was competing and making history with our placement at IHSA State and breaking Pantherette history at IDTA State placing 1st in AAA Jazz, 2nd in AAA Lyrical, receiving the AAA Hi-Point Award, & getting the AAA Grand Champ Award.
I’ve been dancing on the Pantherettes since my freshman year, and this program has allowed me to achieve personal growth as a dancer and as a leader. My teammates have a lot of grit and determination; we’re always pushing through some illnesses, injuries, or overcoming mental blocks. As their competition co-captain, I am so proud of all they’ve accomplished this year.
Shout out to my coaches, Coach Metz & Coach Hofer, for pushing me to do things I didn’t think I’d be able to do and for always supporting me. Also, shout out to my parents, John & Stephanie Redlingshafer, for being my biggest cheerleaders and reminding me to always strive to do my best—not to be perfect.
I love performing jazz and lyrical, but I love to watch hip hop along with the other two previously listed.
When I am not dancing, I am involved with the school softball team, marching band, our top concert band at the high school, dance at Kim’s Academy of Dance, take part in school clubs, and in my free time, I love to spend time with my friends and family, organize, go outside, watch sunsets, and travel.
Ellie earned the role of competition co-captain this year because she is always the first person to build up her teammates and to make sure that everyone feels ready and prepared for any event. She is also an outstanding performer and an extremely consistent turner and leaper. Ellie was part of the glue that held our team together. Her encouraging shout-outs when we had tough practices or had to run after full-outs were essential to our teams’ success. She is one of the strongest dancers and most encouraging teammates I have coached.