Murphysboro IDTA State Week 2020

IDTA STATE WEEK FEATURED TEAM: MURPHYSBORO

TEAM NAME:

Murphysboro Devil Dazzlers Dance Team

CLASSES:

IHSA 1A, IDTA double-A

MORE STUFF TO KNOW:

IDTA State routines: AA Pom Dance, AA Jazz

Coach: Carleigh Schimpf

Conference: Southern Illinois River-To-River

Where in IL: 9 miles NW of SIU Carbondale

Season tidbits: 4th at IHSA sectionals; 18th on Day 1. In IDTA, qualified their jazz routine and pom dance routine every time they’ve competed (4x each).

THE SUPER-QUICK INTERVIEW:

What’s it like to perform at such a high level in both IDTA and IHSA?

We feel very blessed to be able to compete at a high level. What a lot of people don’t realize is that we don’t have a middle school team or a ‘feeding’ program that correlates with ours. Most of our girls start dancing when they get into high school as freshman, and we have to try to bridge the gap between our experienced dancers and those who are unfamiliar with the sport. It can be a challenge, but their hard work is what gets us there and takes us to the next level.

Was there a point in the fall or early season when you realized you were going to have a great winter?

Actually this summer we found out that we were going to be in AA rather than single-A like last year (in IDTA) which was a huge motivator. The girls, myself and my assistant all knew we had to take it to the next level to compete with the extremely talented teams in AA. We just used it as motivation and didn’t settle for taking out tricks that may have seemed too hard in the beginning. The girls worked SO hard to get to where they are now.

What are your team’s technical strengths?

As far as jazz and ballet skills, everyone on the team is unique in their own skill set. Some thrive doing acrobatic skills, while others can turn or leap for days. We are very blessed with a wide variety of talent and try to highlight each girls’ individual and unique abilities through our routines.

What are the keys to a good jazz routine?

At least for me as a coach, I think the key to a good jazz routine is to find your vision and stick with it! I try to use the visions in my head when I hear the song and bring them to life.

Favorite styles of dance to perform?

Overall, we have about half of the team who enjoys pom dance more and the other half who enjoys jazz more. Even though last year was our first year doing jazz in a long time, I think the girls really thrive when they dance jazz. But, when they are dancing pom, the smiles on their faces are contagious and you can tell they have so much fun!

Other teams you’re fans of?

Some teams we are big fans of are Triad and Morris!! We love cheering on our friends from Marion.

Favorite moments of the season up to this point?

Lastly, some favorite moments from this season are getting to go to IHSA football state with our team and cheer them on, having such a positive competition experience, and just getting to bond with the girls. Their bond is so strong and it’s amazing to see how they come together and encourage each other.

ILLINOIS DANCERS

IDTA State Week Featured Team: Murphysboro!

2.13.20

This team’s enjoying a breakout season and are bringing the heat to IDTA state with their jazz and pom dance routines [more]

IDTA State Week Featured Team: Seneca!

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They attracted a lot of attention in 1A a couple seasons ago, looked great in Bloomington at IHSA state, and are poised to bring their lyrical talents to IDTA state [more]

IDTA State Week Featured Team: Marion!

2.12.20

Known for their strong kick tradition, Marion frequently packs a punch when it comes to pom and lyrical work. The southern Illinois powerhouse once again graces the IDTA state floor in multiple categories this weekend [more]

IDTA State Week Featured Team: Jacksonville!

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Breakout 1A stars in IHSA a couple seasons ago, the J’ettes have been a force in IDTA for years and will show that legacy again this weekend at IDTA state [more]

IDTA State Week Featured Team: Elmwood!

2.12.20

They rocked both days at IHSA state and these pom specialists are back for more at IDTA state this weekend [more]

One more shot to qualify for IDTA state!

2.7.20

Who’s got a little more left in the tank? Teams will go the extra mile to try and qualify for IDTA state in what we’re calling Last Chance Weekend! Here’s a look at the different situations that got them there [more]