The Becker Dazzlers dance team competed at the 4AA Section Tournament at Rocori High School last Saturday.
This was the first time the Dazzlers competed in this section since for years they previously competed in Section 2AA. Sections are reassigned every two years.
Section 4AA is considered by many as one of the toughest AA sections in the state with perennial state contenders, Sartell, St Cloud Cathedral, Sauk Rapids and Rocori all competing in this division. Only the top three in each division advance to the state tournament.
After Saturday’s event, Sartell, Rocori and St Cloud Cathedral qualified in both jazz and kick.
The Becker dance team fielded a young varsity team this year with only one senior, one junior foreign exchange student, three sophomores, five eighth graders and two seventh graders.
“We have a relatively inexperienced team when it comes to sections,” said Coach Julie Baloun. “This was the first time competing at this tournament for the majority of our team.”
Baloun went on to say that sections can be very hard for youngsters and certainly very stressful.
“I thought this young team handled it very well,” said Baloun. “Our scores in both divisions this year were nearly identical to our scores at sections last year. That is impressive to me when you consider that we have a much younger, less experienced team and a new section assignment.”
The jazz team had one of its best performances of the season.
“The team really came together and danced with a lot of emotion,” said Coach Nadia Fischer-Danzeisen. “They really showed their passion for this sport.”
The coaches worked tirelessly with the athletes over the week, preparing them both mentally and physically for this competition.
“It showed in the way they danced,” Fischer-Danzeisen said. “I am so proud of how far this team has come this season.”
The Becker kick squad was the first team to perform in this division last Saturday.
“Performance order is literally luck of the draw,” said Baloun. “As the new team in a tough section, I wasn't thrilled to perform first. It's hard to go out first when you know all the big names are still to come, but it's also an opportunity to set the standard.”
Baloun said the only thing the performers can really control is how they perform and that nothing else matters.
“This team was ready to go and they came out strong,” she said. “I am pleased with their performance and their scores at this competition.”
With a season competing together under their belts, Coaches Baloun and Fischer-Danzeisen see a really bright future for their dancers.
The competition season has come to an end for the Dazzlers, but they still have a few things left on their calendar. This week they hosted a Hip Hop dance camp for children ages 3 - 12. They also brought out the junior Dazzlers who performed their routines at halftime of the girls basketball game Thursday.
