After an incredible season, the Becker Bulldogs competitive dance team, The Dazzlers, placed fourth at the girls’ varsity sections at Alexandria High School last Saturday, ending their hopes of competing at state this year. 

 

“We took fourth in both kick and jazz on Saturday,” said Coach Nadia Fischer-Danzeisen. “Which is so heart-breaking but also so incredible.”

 

The top three places in kick went to Sartell, Rocori and St. Cloud Cathedral. In Jazz the order was Sartell, St. Cloud Cathedral and Rocori.

 

The Dazzlers kick team came in last in 2017, 10th in 2018, and now fourth in 2019.

 

“This is the first time the kick team has ever placed higher than sixth place at a section tournament before,” said Danzeisen. “This is jazz’s second time placing fourth. They continue to close the gap with third place rankings from three out of eight judges,”

 

Saturday’s sections was the fourth competition in a row where The Dazzlers broke school records.

 

“I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better kick performance on Saturday,” said Danzeisen. “And I felt like jazz, for the first time this season, really performed to their song. I actually started to tear up during their performance.”

 

The Dazzlers jazz team danced to an acapella version of Amazing Grace; the kick team danced to a custom remix of Saturday morning cartoons.

 

“We had several compliments from other teams,” said Danzeisen. “It was nice to get recognition that people are taking notice of our growth.”

 

The Dazzlers took fourth at the 4AA section meet last year, the first time they had done so. The team improved steadily throughout the season this year, breaking school records and consistently improving their placements, including a first place for the jazz team Jan. 24. 

 

Although disappointed they didn’t advance to state, the team is already looking ahead to next year.

 

“We’re really looking forward to continuing to grow,” said Danzeisen.