The Becker Dazzlers dance team closed out their 2016-2017 season with a competition at the Section 4AA tournament at Rocori High School last Saturday.
The varsity teams performed their routines one last time in front of a full house.
“This competition is a little bit like a state preview with several perennial powerhouse teams competing,” said Co-Coach Julie Baloun.
The line to purchase tickets was out the door. Tickets go on sale at 8 a.m. for an event that starts at 11 a.m., Baloun said.
“It's crazy, but it's a great atmosphere to perform in.”
Baloun was pleased to see both squads performed well in their last competition of the season.
“I'm very proud of how this team pulled together this year,” she said. “We had some circumstances this year like illness and injuries that meant we were dancing with a different line-up almost every time out for varsity kick.”
“There was only one competition this year where we had our original 12 ‘starters’ out there. In dance it is important that everyone looks exactly the same. That takes time and practice so when the person dancing next to you changes, it means there are adjustments that need to be made.”
Baloun and Co-Coach Nadia Fischer-Danzeisen said their team handled those adjustments very well.
“We had girls step up and learn new parts to make it easier on their teammates,” said Baloun. “That kind of teamwork is invaluable.”
Sartell, Rocori and St. Cloud Cathedral took the top three spots in high kick and advanced to the state tournament Feb. 18.
In the jazz division, Rocori, Sartell and Sauk Rapids-Rice finished one, two and three and advanced to the state tournament at Target Center Feb. 17.
Becker’s finish in the standings was not reported.
Becker varsity jazz had a solid year earning their highest score ever at the Albany competition earlier this season.
“The routine this year was very demanding,” said Fischer-Danzeisen. “It was a fairly fast routine with difficult skills and lots of formation changes. It pushed them not only in their technique and stamina level, but also in their performance level.”
Fischer-Danzeisen said her dancers really connected to the music and brought the dance to life.
“They continue to impress me each season not only with how much they improve, but also with how hard they are willing to work,” she said.
With no seniors on the team this year, the coaches are looking forward to next season when they will be able to return a still young, but veteran team in both divisions.
Up Next
The team turned their direction to getting campers ready for their Hip Hop dance camp held this week. The campers — ages three to 12 — performed their routine at halftime of the girls basketball game this past Thursday (full report on the event will occur in next week’s Citizen-Tribune).
