Nadia Fischer-Danzeisen returns as the head coach of the Becker Dazzlers Dance Team for 2021-22.

The team welcomes an alumni to the coaching staff in Autumn Martin. Fischer-Danzeisen says Autumn was “a great asset to our team when she was in high school and now we’re excited to have her as our JV head coach!”

Fischer-Danzeisen’s other coaches are Megan Timm and Rhi Edwards-Lieberman. Thirty-eight student/athletes are on the 2021-22 team this year.

The roster includes: Kaelyn Drayna, Kennedy Drayna, Gabriella Dumonceaux, Rylee Felton, Ella Fenske, Ashlyn Frey, Ava Holm, Marissa Hook, Emily Huffman, Amanda Jonas, Sara Jonas, Aylla King, Mia Kinzle, Stephanie Kluge, Hayli Kotzer, Amanda Krenz, Kendall Lamp, Payton Lechner, Claire MacMillan, Ashley Matvick, Lilli Melby, Daphnee Meyer, Hannah Oakes, Chloe Peterson, Natalie Pozorski, Ryleigh Procter, Kennedy Riffe, Claire Schendzielos, Makenna Schuldt, Abigail Spindler, Gabriella Thelen, Gracie Tobako, Jenessa Toulouse, Ali Vieau, Taylor Weismann, Amelia Weller, Wren Williams and  Lila Zinken.

“I think one of our team’s strengths this year is the experience,” said Fischer-Danzeisen. “We have a core group of athletes that have been competing at the varsity level for several years, so they know what to expect and how to train for it.” 

Unfortunately, withall the issues surrounding COVID-19 last year, Fischer-Danzeisen is sure the time off has thrown all of her competitors off a little. 

“We’re adjusting back to our team norms,” she said. 

Fischer-Danzeisen says one of the team’s strengths is the leadership — not just at the coaching level. 

“We have six amazing leaders who have and will do anything for our team and their teammates,” she said. “I’m so impressed with their dedication to our team values and displaying them in all areas of their life!” 

The dance squad’s team values are connection, integrity, and grit. 

“The coaching staff runs everything off of them and it’s rewarding to watch the team embrace the values as well,” Fischer-Danzeisen says.

Her six leaders are: seniors Gabby Thelen, Amelia Weller and Stephanie Kluge. Juniors Amanda Krenz and Ashley Matvick. And sophomore Wren Williams.

“We have multiple stand-out athletes on our team,” the Becker coach says. “We have three sophomores who really demonstrate quality dance ability in their technique, movement, and athleticism. Ashley Matvick, Wren Williams, and Hannah Oakes are the people I often turn to when we’re adding difficulty into our routines. Gabby Thelen, Mia Weller, Amanda Krenz, and Stephanie Kluge have also really impressed me with their off season training. They all look great and are starting off this season strong!”

Fischer-Danzeisen says her team’s biggest challenge will be themselves. 

“We have talented kids, great choreography, plenty of time, and a few of our top section competitors were moved into other sections,” she said of her upcoming season. “We will need to stay focused under pressure to compete at our highest potential.” 

Fischer-Danzeisen says dance is a hard sport because there aren’t time-outs, substitutions, next plays, etc. 

“They (dancers) have one opportunity to get it perfect, all together, all at the same time,” she says. “For our team and other dance teams, it can be mentally challenging to ensure the right personnel are on the floor and that the routines are at a difficulty level that is impressive but also achievable.”