The Becker Dazzlers dance team had a busy week with a Granite Ridge Conference Meet last Thursday and an invitational Saturday.
GRC Meet
Last Thursday's competition at St. Cloud Cathedral was the first conference meet of the season for the Dazzlers.
Cathedral — continuing its superiority in dance competitions — took first place in both the Jazz and Kick divisions. The Cathedral team participates in the state finals every year and are very tough competitors.
“Overall, our scores improved over last year, but we still hope to increase our scores even more at our next conference meet Jan. 21 at home,” said Coach Julie Baloun. “We are really looking forward to the opportunity to compete in our home gym. We will use our practices to make changes, improve technique and perfect our performances in order to be at our best at conference.”
Fridley Invitational
Saturday, the team traveled to Fridley for an invitational that featured state champion Faribault and state finalist Austin, among others.
“Fridley is a large invite that features many teams we don't often see,” said Baloun. “It is great to see what teams across the state are doing and to see how we match up.”
Varsity Jazz
The Dazzler varsity jazz team started off the entire competition, warming up the crowd and judges with their emotional piece.
“It really shows how severed relationships — growing up — and being strong on your own can be difficult,” said Coach Nadia Fischer-Danzeisen.
After scoring better than they did Thursday at St. Cloud, it must have meant Friday's practice was focused on primary goals.
“We had a very busy week with two competitions, adding a couple morning lifting practices and coming off of our first competition ‘high’”, said Fischer-Danzeisen. “There's no experience that can replace competing a routine for the first time, so coping with a different mental mindset every competition can be challenging.”
JV Jazz
The JV jazz squad had a great day, increasing their scores from Thursday and from a year ago.
“They are feeling more comfortable with their slow and meaningful routine,” said Fischer-Danzeisen. “It will be tremendously impactful when they really connect and bring out all their strength.”
The JV jazz team is looking at making a few changes to see the trend in scores continue to rise.
JV Kick
Becker’s JV kick team maintained their trend of increasing scores from last year and from Thursday's competition. Saturday’s routine earned them a “seven” in the category of routine effectiveness — defined as strength, power, stamina and confidence. All the while having unity in presentation, expression, recovery from mistakes and uniform placement.
“I was actually surprised to see a seven on our score sheet because last year's team only received one at their very last competition,” said Fischer-Danzeisen. “This kick team is very talented so I believe I can hold them to a higher standard than most others.”
Fischer-Danzeisen said the girls improved from last year to this year by 65 points.
“The athletes have so much more to give, so I'm excited to see where they'll take this season,” she said.
Varsity Kick
The Dazzlers varsity kick team had a successful day, earning their highest scores of the season. The team entertained the crowd with their high energy routine. "One of our goals is to get a judges score above 70 — where they also received some “eights”.
“We accomplished both of those goals on Saturday,” said Baloun. “It's exciting to see those scores early in the season.”
Fischer-Danzeisen and Baloun see their young team having huge potential.
“Our scores increased over last years on both Thursday and Saturday,” said Baloun. “That is a trend we want to continue.”
“The challenge now is to not allow ourselves to be satisfied and to continue to push ourselves to improve each and every time out,” she said.
The Dazzlers are now busy cleaning and perfecting their routines before their next competition Jan. 2 at Rocori.
