The Becker Dance Team made history last weekend by punching their ticket to the State Tournament for the first time in their history! 

The Bulldogs took second in jazz and third in kick making them one of the top 12 teams in class AA. 

“There’s no other group of kids I’d rather make history with,” said Head Coach Nadia Fischer-Danzeisen. “I am so proud of the entire team. I told the girls that when I started head coaching I had a five-year plan. Well, today, that plan failed because it only took four!” 

“We are so grateful to get the opportunity to compete with the best high school jazz and kick teams in the state,” said Assistant Coach Megan Timm,  “In just two short weeks we will be more than ready to represent Becker High School and our amazing community, proudly!” 

When Fischer-Danzeisen and her coaching staff asked the dance captains how they felt, sophomore Wren Williams answered for all and said, “We haven’t just wished and dreamt for a moment like this, we’ve put our heart and soul into it for the last several years. The will to not give up and the connection with this team is everything! We couldn’t have done it without every single one of us.” 

The state tournament will be held at the Target Center in Minneapolis. Jazz is set to compete Fri., Feb. 18 and kick will compete on Sat., Feb. 19. The school is planning to have a send off Thurs., Feb. 17 before the team departs. 

“I am so excited to take on the Target Center floor for the first time in our team’s history,” said From Junior Stephanie Kluge. “Getting to hear our names called at our section tournament to receive our medals was so unreal and I could not be more proud of every single girl on this team for all of the hard work they’ve put into getting to this moment!”

”I’ve been on this team since seventh grade and have never felt a connection quite like this year,” said Senior Gabby Thelen. “The hard work and perseverance of these girls has been unmatched from any other team I’ve danced with. It is such a privilege to have watched these girls grow up into who they are today and to be able to dance with them on the state floor. All our hard work has finally paid off and I am so excited and proud to say that we did it!”

“It was great to see all the hard work pay off and to see our team preserve and achieve our goal,” said Junior Amanda Krenz.  “Dancing with passion was a huge part of our season and that was our main goal going into sections. We wanted to dance together as one and with passion. That’s what we went out there and did. We did it!”

“I’m so proud of each and every single girl on this team,” said Sophomore Ashley Matvick. “I am very happy to say that all of our hard work through out the years was all worth it. Hearing our names called and receiving our medals is something that I’m going to remember for the rest of of my life. I’d like to thank all of the girls for never giving up and for pouring their whole heart into this team. This team is special and I’m grateful for the opportunity to hit the state floor with them for the first time. My hope for the future is that younger dancers keep their love for dance because passion leads to hard work and eventually success.”