The Becker Dazzlers dance team had an outstanding day at the Blaine Invitational last Saturday as the varsity jazz and high kick teams took first place at the event.
“It is incredible how far this team has come in the six years I have been coaching,” said Head Coach Laura Anderson. We have been so fortunate to attract and retain the athletic talent that we have.”
The JV kick team was awarded the third place spot with medals (as this was the final competition of the season for the JV level teams).
Anderson says her JV and varsity teams include athletes that exhibit strength, endurance and a commitment level like no other she has ever seen.
“These qualities have afforded the team the success that they have earned,” she said. “I also want to give a ‘shout out’ to the parents and other family members and friends who support this team. The presence of this fan base affords the athletes the support they deserve to perform at the highest level.”
Anderson says she is anxious to see what their Section 2AA tournament holds for them today (Saturday) at Big Lake High School.
Varsity Jazz:
1st Place- Becker; 2nd Place- North Branch; 3rd Place- Brooklyn Center.
“We had a very successful day at the Blaine invite,” said Coach Julie Baloun. “It feels as if things are really starting to click with this routine. The team is dancing cleaner and more confidently each time out.”
Baloun says dance is a unique sport that requires great physical endurance and stamina. The dancers have to exhibit control and precision in their movements while still "selling" the dance with emotion and passion in order to score well.
“This team was able to put it all together Saturday and they were rewarded with a welll-earned first place finish,” she said. “The kick routine has challenged them this year, and it is looking like they were up for that challenge. We are working very hard this week to look even better at our section tournament in Big Lake this weekend.”
Varsity High Kick:
1st Place- Becker; 2nd Place- North Branch; 3rd Place- Brooklyn Center.
JV Coach Nadia Fischer-Danziesen was also impressed with her JV squad.
“They left everything on the floor and the judges took notice, earning them the third place spot in kick,” she said. “They placed above three strong AAA teams which shows their incredible development over the season.”
Fischer-Danziesen said the team "no threes tomorrow on the score sheet,” during Friday’s practice.
“We had no threes and even our very first ‘7’ in kick height (out of 10),” she said.
The JV jazz team also performed well, but did not place in the top three. However, they beat AAA schools and continued to do outstanding in the categories of choreography and execution, placing seventh out of 10 at this event.
“It has been an honor to coach these athletes at such a young age,” Fischer-Danziesen said. “They show so much promise and I am looking forward to seeing them blossom during summer practices and next season. They truly made my first year coaching spectacular.”
JV High Kick:
1st Place- Chaska (Class AAA); 2nd Place- Blaine (Class AAA); 3rd Place-Becker (Class AA).
JV Jazz:
1st Place- Blaine (Class AAA); 2nd Place- Duluth East (Class AAA); 3rd Place- Shakopee (Class AAA).
Next up for the Dazzlers is the Section 2AA tournament today (Saturday) at Big Lake High School.