See ya at 10:00 Friday for 1A and 2A! I’m also doing the normal Instagram stories for each routine, plus a few live and recorded videos during breaks (Instagram, TikTok).
10:03am: Let’s go!!!
Ready to check out this outstanding field of 90 teams. I’m down at floor level and can’t wait for this party to launch! So far this morning I’ve run into Nazareth, Tracie Henry, and the distinctive smell of FRIED FOOD, woooo!!! Nice job to whoever sang that national anthem!
10:09am: Ready for the Day 1 spectacle that is IHSA state
With a few minutes til dance #1 I’m thinking of all the great routines that have hit this floor over the past decade of so of IHSA competition. Such a special moment and I’m hoping everyone savors the experience! Pretty good 10am crowd so far. Look out for our dance-by-dance Insta commentary along with a few nuggets on TikTok. The marley looks pretty good from my vantage point (no lumps or hills, and the seams look alright). Comfy temps so far here at floor level. Parking deck was inching toward FULL when I pulled in around 9:15, so plan accordingly!
10:17am: Fenwick
It’s fantastic to see this program get to the state stage! Solid pirouettes, nice control on the leaps. I still remember a bout 18 months ago when we worked with this team and their commitment to rising up was already apparent. Beautiful ripple during the chorus. I love how they match the grandiose feel of this song. Brought a nice set of a la secondes! Showing off that strength on the lift and the soloist off to the side. Congrats to Fenwick on this special moment!
10:21am: Marist
This program turned it UP all winter and they look very comfy at the highest level of competition. Their floats / secondes say a ton about how ready they are for this big moment. Flexing some impressive soloists and i can totally hear their commitment to nailing the timing. Up close I’m seeing strong fundamental technique on those turns. Even the little things like the very musicality-based fan kick make a big visual impact. Well done!
10:24am: Montini
For years they were the most feared pom and pom dance program…then they showed off their lyrical prowess, and this dark jazz further proves these are well-rounded kids who join this legendary program year after year. Clean and clear lines are so easy to read on this dark stage. Excelling at the performance aspect. Wow, love that leaning-forward feature! So light on her feet during that tilt lift. Love the synchro especially so deep into an intense dance. They came on strong late in the season–proving ya gotta keep fearing them!
3:42pm: OK wifi, you don’t like me, I don’t like you…
Trying this again for the 3A block! Not a ton of surprises for 1A–definitely the most consistent teams in that division throughout the winter. Really nice to see Nazareth joining the club of elites. 2A has your usual Day 2 teams with a nice addition–Jones College Prep! Lots of very good teams unfortunately aren’t moving on, but they looked good today. Just going on the “eye test” (how things LOOKED instead of thinking of the rubric too much), an Argo, Washington, Kenwood, Batavia or Antioch could’ve easily made it through. Over in 1A St Francis certainly had a “Day 2-capable” look–with DJO and Streator in that next tier.
3:55pm: Side notes
Feeling obligated to, like, write ANYTHING while I still have wi-fi, haha! Just spent $9 on a pretzel (no cheese) and a bottle of water. Also helped a couple Loyola fans who dropped a sign that slipped, amazingly, just between the edge of the benches and the hockey bench I’m seated at. And another nice national anthem!
4:02pm: Naperville North
I remember seeing them at the first comp of the season–Wheaton North on 11/12–and I knew they had some stuff to work on, but that it was definitely going to eventually trend toward a strong state floor appearance. Amazing stage presence. It’s really hard to beat their quality of movement–I mean, put aside the advanced skills and mesmerizing choreography and music, and you’ll see this sharpness to the “song expression” aspect of the routine that’s hard to beat. Poised and polished and setting a strong tone to start the 3A block.
4:08pm: Lake Park
Extra value meal for dance fans to get 2 giants in 3A back-to-back! Someone on Insta brought up that I’ve hit the food metaphors hard today…expect that’s going to continue, so if you’re triggered, I’d grab a snack right now. I love how the Lancettes could’ve brought either of their routines here and looked stellar. I love how they went with THIS version of their song. I love how each year they’re so beautifully outside the box, but still delivering the choreography with impeccable tech. I rooted for this one early in the season when their other one looked like it was stronger…so glad this passionate piece made it to the state floor.
4:11pm: Remember when 2a and 3A went combined for the afternoon session?
I’m sure there are reasons they’ve made the change for the past few years to group 1A with 2A…but a part of me feels like the impression made is that 3A needs that extra breathing room…but does it? Why not run each division in its own block. Kinda makes 1A + 2A look more “easily evaluated” and 3A deserving of more consideration. Ooooh, I stirred the pot there…
4:18pm: Downers Grove North
This one’s been a sentimental fave all winter–beautiful song, of course, but they portray it with a firm confidence–showing off that they get that the song’s about delicate vibes but also resoluteness of spirit. I’m a huge fan of how Coach Johnson has patiently guided the program through a few seasons of being “on the edge” and then got her girls to burst through the door last January! And again this year, with a totally different style! Gotta love the Athenas.
4:23pm: Loyola Academy
I haven’t had a ton of looks at Loyola this winter but seeing today’s dance makes me wish I had! It’s so cool how the dance (and really, it’s the song that drives this) has two personalities…and that change in the middle is pretty stunningly portrayed by the team. Amazing individual talent on this roster. Feeling this is one of the stronger LA teams I’ve seen in quite awhile.
4:28pm: Fremd
First off let me thank Fremd for incorporating an 8CA comment (from earlier in the season) into their state trip motto–“The Resurgence” made it onto their shirts! Quite a change this season, and all that effort has paid off, for sure. With a little more state-level experience it’s pretty thrilling to wonder where this team could be next season. Well Adele might spell it “Rumour” but the RUMOR is that Fred’s on-stage charisma is hard to deny. They sure look like a team that’s ready for that big move to Day 2.
4:34pm: Prospect
This team is always far, far more potent than people give them credit for. I’ll do my best to stop using the “under the radar” label — just consider the multitude of years they’ve been a force in 3A IHSA competition. Talented choreographers laid down the foundation but this beautiful team ran with it, fed some lovely skills into the machine, and out comes this lyrical gem. Lots of hopeful emotion comes across loud and clear. Easy to declare this has been a fave throughout the winter!
4:44pm: Oswego East
So. Much. Charm. Just a piece you can throw your arms around. And I love the deceptive tempo–you think it’s light and airy (it is), but it’s really fast! So that means a lot of control, and not just clean beginnings but also cleaning endings to each count. The choreo / staging / layering in this one really hits! Add in those lovely costumes and oodles of stage charisma, and you’ve got a sneaky sneaky sneaky good routine that’s knocking on a Day 2 vibe.
4:47pm: Hold on to your signs!
LOL Loyola fans, hang on to your signs! Just completed by second “rescue” of a dropped sign here behind the hockey bench. Honestly–it’s a HOCKEY BENCH–I’d rather not reach back there again, haha!
4:51pm: Lyons Township
Gorgeous–this one hooked me since early November. Pretty costumes, and maxing on the drama of a classic song that we wouldn’t normally expect. Stunning skills set but it’s really their turns that are astoundingly synchro’d and sharp and matched. We’re talking a legit 90 degrees on the a la secondes. Plus a hefty dose of passion…it’s the whole package!
4:53pm: Between the dances
First thanks so much for all the support! I love hearing from everyone and I’m thrilled to cover all the action today, all the heart, all the effort that started back at tryouts, and honestly, that started years ago in studio classes. (Which, on another note, is a whole ‘other issue in dance that I think needs more attention). Wow went on a couple tangents in that last sentence. Another tangent: seriously, someone HAD to light a cigarette just now? It’s a 90 second walk to the door. It’s a high school dance competition.
4:59pm: Waubonsie Valley
Plenty of intimidating vibes by that Waubonsie Team! I mean, it was so fierce that the DJ had to follow it up with the bubbly “Saved By The Bell” theme song after the team was done. I love WV because they’re strong and steady over time–a sustainable kind of strength during any given season, and when all the ingredients are there, they seem poised to lash out for a Day 2 run. This dance is a prime example of just how athletic this sport is. Believe it, skeptical ADs and admins!
5:04pm: York
They’re the team that, if you forget about them, you’re gonna pay the price. As ya’ll know, I love routines where you can count the song in some kind of form of threes or sixes or twelves, and this is a stellar example. They squeezed every drop of musicality out of it, stirred in some tasty turns skills and a ton of expression–and you get a powerful dance that sets them up for maybe a little dark-horse status tomorrow? In any case this is definitely the most memorable York dance I’ve had the pleasure to watch in recent years.
5:10pm: Edwardsville
I went to their home comp at the end of winter break and not only did I get to see all those excellent St Louis area teams, but I got to confirm that Edwardsville’s having a hot season! Mid-80s, 2nd at their sectional–definitely a great fit for the IHSA state floor. Picked up on their strong vibes of elegance and passion. I love how they’re fearless with such aggressive choreo–plenty of high-stakes moments and bold features. Stepping back a sec, I love how they’re schooling all of us Chicagoland fans that they’re the big 3A team that’s not from up north–and that they have “THAT” look, ya know? That polished, trained, confident aura.
5:19pm: Jacobs
Lemme just spend this paragraph in praise of Coaches Alli Heckman and Lexi Madsen–two of my faves who I’ve had the honor to work with since they were freshman on the Crystal Lake Central poms during the ’05-’06 season. Led that team to state honors, danced on college teams, coached their alma mater to a high level, and moved on to reenergize Jacobs in 3A. It hurts to see them wrap it up this weekend! Truly talented ladies who get the most out of their kids and do it with a lot of heart and a wealth of experience.
5:22pm: It’s that time of the day…
…where ya start thinking of dinner, and you’re thankful for a good song choice by the DJ and for the slideshow on the big screen. Is there gonna be another crowd dance contest during the break?
5:27pm: Minooka
Ah the anticipation! Hope all is good behind the curtain.
5:24pm: Plainfield East
Wow this gem was a stunner! Beautiful all around and a tangible rise in this program–not just a rise, but busting through the roof. I loved how the skills were so strategically placed–not like an abudance, but when they hit, they were impactful and so very well executed. Kind of a new look for P.E. and it’s a pleasure to see them on this floor!
5:40pm: Downers Grove South
Ya can’t hold back these Fillies. No secret this has been a fave–such a fascinating melding of two styles. Squeaky clean for something so menacing and bold, too. Pretty sure everyone on this teams loves the art of the turn, right? Not just an aggressive vibe but the choreo itself was pretty ambitious, and it really does take smart, experienced dancers to make that work.
5:44pm: Stevenson
The cool things about Stevenson–their SIGNATURE style is just their ability to be them–they look different every year, but that sophisticated difference is, in itself, what makes their identity so charming! I always say this, but I adore it when teams who are willing to be so unique also back it up with a hefty toolbox of advanced skills. That’s Stevenson! There’s just nothing like them in IL dance. Really grateful to them for bringing studio artsiness to gym floors every weekend.
5:54pm: Naperville Central
Here ya go, the breakout stars in 3A this year! Stunning turnaround that started sparking 2 or 3 seasons ago (I believe it was a couple surprise finishes that the Grayslake Central comps that opened my eyes). Search the 8CA website for a featured article on the team way back in 2017 when they were firmly in that “other” Naperville team mode…and here they are as sectional champs. Pretty cool transformation! Now we can definitely say that all 3 Naperville teams make that THE dance hotspot in the Chicago area.
6:00pm: Neuqua Valley
Borrowing an idea from the world of guitar soloing–they say that the faster the tempo, the fewer notes you should play. And that works so perfectly in this Neuqua piece–smartly choreographed and the audience has enough mental time to take in every element. But my absolute fave aspect is the loose, innocent, bubbly exuberance that makes the dance so inviting. I’ll say it plainly: it’s too fun NOT to love! Add in a clear flexing of skills and you’ve got a clearcut state-quality dance.
6:05pm: Plainfield North
Tourneywire randomizer, ya sure you’re working? I kid, I kid…just cool to see 3 nearby teams all go consecutively. Haven’t seen this one in person very much this year, but wow, what a routine. A lot of unique and quirky ideas but it’s so cool how they weave in some familiar jazz concepts to lean on. A couple moments I was like, wait, they just went from very modern and cutting to a pretty, graceful, arch-like quality of movement. Pretty clever! Every year I feel like we’ve gotta watch out for PNorth!
6:11pm: New Trier
When football season rolls around, you’re gonna want to check out NT’s Insta–they bring some fun, elaborate, and HUGE routines to the field! During comp season they’ve traditionally been pleasant surprises, but in recent years they’ve turned that into being a consistent 3A force (albeit a quiet one). This fun dance has all the Friday night vibes you could want. Of course, big rosters help create that “look”–but everywhere I looked in each formation, I saw a clear stage presence and a lengthy style of athleticism.
6:19pm: Minooka
Quiet winter but you just knew the ‘Nook folks were cooking up something good. Plenty of talent on the team and I enjoyed the hint of chaotic angst that shows up in the choreo and in each dancer’s delivery. Lots of challenging staging and plenty of eye candy for the cutting-edge, modern jazz lovers out there.
6:23pm: Break
Watching the dance-off — gotta commend the one guy who REALLLYYYYY wants to win this contest!
6:32pm: Barrington
Just off-the-charts fantastic. An easy pick for a future 8CA flashback, right? Every aspect in this piece, they do it right and with extra flair. 3A was quite a battlefield all winter but more of than not, these athletes held the lead…and endured those occasional moments where the insane 3A talent level caused some shuffling in the rankings. Definitely a statement performance just now by the Bronchettes!
6:39pm: St Charles East
Love this one because “growth” isn’t just an adjective for this up-and-coming teams. I absolutely love top-tier teams that are willing to grow throughout the season, irrespective of their resume or pedigree or the name on their uniform. This one grew because they clearly worked on it each time it hit the floor. So there’s that, PLUS the unique song choice and some very fresh choreo that sticks out. Mega talent on this roster, and a TON of character–like that old leather couch in your grampa’s basement that’s oddly very comfortable.
6:42pm: Stars in the building
Hearing that there are University of Minnesota dance team members in attendance…AMAZING! Hmm, how do I get an interview?????
6:49pm: Andrew
With all the high-level performances all winter in 3A, it was easy to let Andrew slip through everyone’s attention filter–but they were strong from the get-go in November, and I feel like they’ve kept their sharpness and stage presence in their pockets, ready to unleash here on the state floor. Just proves that those fundamentally strong dances and dancers are usually gonna rise to the top at the moment where it matters most….
6:55pm: Glenbrook South
I love it that we’re seeing pom well-represented here today, and in 3A! These South dancers nail every classic aspect of pom, for sure (those stellar visuals set them apart)–but what a sleek set of jazz skills, and cleanly executed at a tempo that invites some less-than-crispness for less precise teams. Also notable: big roster and no weak links at all.
7:00pm: Joliet West
Started the season with some question marks–injuries, a smallish roster–that’s the intell I got at the Andrew comp in mid-November. Fast forward to sectionals, and this JWest team was strong and bold! Looked amazing here on the state floor, and just a cool story of perseverance to move from point A to point B this season. Putting that story aside, what an amazing routine full of heart and top-tier visuals.
7:06pm: Maine South
Gotta be the most visually pleasing routine of the day–classic kick ideas with a few fun twists, and more than a few tasty jazz elements. Crowd pleaser done by elite dancers! And even though it’s a classic kick or jazz song, there are plenty of tricky musicality moments that they handled with polish.
7:06pm: Maine South
Gotta be the most visually pleasing routine of the day–classic kick ideas with a few fun twists, and more than a few tasty jazz elements. Crowd pleaser done by elite dancers! And even though it’s a classic kick or jazz song, there are plenty of tricky musicality moments that they handled with polish.
7:10pm: Warren
Pretty sure I just witnessed the new height of the Devilettes program. Season story: took a great hip hop routine and kept pumping it up each weekend. Made the most of stellar hip hop choreo — I’m thinking it may have taken some time and tweaking for this team to absorb the challenging routine. Final result: stunning hot sauce hip hop on the state floor!
7:17pm: South Elgin
Another good story of growth by an already-elite team. Tons of potential on display early in the season, and by mid-season it was pretty clear that they were gonna rock several 3A boats. I’m so used to seeing beautiful lyrical out of this program–so it’s cool to see not only a different genre, but also some outside-the-box vibes in the choreo, song choice, costume, and general emoting of the song! A little angst, a little elegance, a lot of flair. Nailed this onto my faves list early on.
7:18pm: Despacito
Remember when this song was GIGANTIC?
7:24pm: Plainfield Central
Caught that audible moment of breath at the end–max drama points by a very talented P Central group! This team turned things up at the right time; gotta love teams that take advantage of the big moment at conference then sectionals then state! I love routines where they dare to show right away that they’re gonna tell a story (here, the one white costume)…it’s always a fun game to see if they follow through with a convincing, intriguing plot. These PomCats did just that! Hope they still go by that name, LOL…
7:26pm: Bartlett
Truly a charming, thrilling emotional ride by Bartlett for the final dance of the day. Lots of feels and vibes in the song and they exploit every ounce of that. I love how selective their skills are–so impactful at key times in the dance. This one was really a fave of mine from early December when I saw them at Batavia! I’d say more but my elbow is KILLING!