The Becker Dazzlers dance team had the opportunity to perform at a recent home basketball game as well as compete at the Monticello Invite and host the Granite Ridge All Conference meet over the past week.

 

“It's always great to take a break from judge’s scores and perform in front of the home crowd,” said Coach Julie Baloun. “Our basketball performance on Jan. 15 gave us the opportunity to perform on our home floor prior to our conference meet Jan. 21. It was a great opportunity to get a feel for the floor before we compete on, which is very valuable.”

 

Last Saturday, the team traveled to Monticello to compete at their annual invitational.

 

“This was the best I have seen the varsity kick team perform in terms of really committing to the dance and selling the routine with facials and energy,” said Baloun. “ Scores increased by 16 points overall from the previous week, with increases in six out of the 10 categories.”

 

Baloun also said scores also increased from this same competition last year in the categories of placement and control, degree of accuracy, practicality of content and routine effectiveness.

 

The JV teams performed well in both the jazz and kick divisions. 

 

The JV kick team came out and performed with a lot of energy and enthusiasm. 

 

“This team is really learning how to not only perform and entertain, but also how to compete,” said Coach Nadia Fischer-Danzeisen. 

 

The JV jazz team had a great day and were able to bring home the second place trophy.

 

“This team has been performing well,” Fischer-Danzeisen said.  “We are really trying to focus on the details to bring this routine to the next level. Our season is quickly coming to an end and we really want to finish strong.”

 

The varsity jazz squad performed with a lot of emotion and earned their highest scores ever in jazz. 

 

“This team is really is getting stronger and more confident each time out,” said Baloun. “It was good to see them rewarded with higher scores.”

 

“They have been working really hard at practice and it is really paying off in their performances,” said Fischer-Danzeisen. “This is a very determined group of young women.”

 

Thursday, Becker hosted the Granite Ridge Finals Conference Meet and competed against teams from Albany, St. Cloud Cathedral and Zimmerman.

 

“This is always an important meet for us, but especially this year because it was at home,” said Baloun. “There is always a little more pressure to do well at home.” 

 

All four of Becker’s teams went all out in front of the home crowd. and had four great routines. 

 

“I think we had some of our best performances of the season,” said Baloun. “The team was really focused, excited and prepared and it showed in their performances.”

 

The highlight was when the Becker varsity kick team executed an impressive, “cops-inspired” dance performance — all dolled up in outfits that depicted police uniforms with sashes and badges.

 

“I'm very pleased with the way we prepared for our home all-conference meet,” said Fischer-Danzeisen.  “We came in with strong energy and it paid off in the scores.” 

 

Fischer-Danzeisen said she saw many personal best performances and feels it is so rewarding that the girls pulled off a great performance in their home gym. 

 

“Finishing off the season strong and without regrets is a huge thing for me, and I felt like our athletes are accomplishing that,” said Coach Fischer-Danzeisen. “It was an extra bonus to see our Booster Club and parent volunteers act as a great unit to help run our meet as well.”

 

Becker finished third overall in the conference. Named to the all-conference team in both kick and jazz were Mikayla Henkemeyer and Morgan Meyer.

 

 “The coaches would like to extend a big thank you to all the friends, family and especially parents who not only came out to cheer the team on, but to also organize, volunteer and make this event run smoothly,” said Baloun and said Fischer-Danzeisen.

 

The girls compete Saturday in Blaine at 10:30 a.m.