The PV Platinum Dance Team found much success at Dec. 2’s state competition. Although the competition was held almost halfway into the school year, Platinum members started state rehearsals in June and didn’t let up until the team’s two routines were ready to perform in front of the Iowa State Dance Team Association. This year, the girls felt more ready than ever and were excited to present their hard work at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.
Their day started at 5 a.m. with makeup, hair, and costumes. Then they headed to the arena to warm up and prepare for their performances. At 8:30 a.m. Platinum entered the arena and gave a dynamic jazz performance for the judges. The team felt good about their performance, but had a quick turnaround for pom. They quickly changed into their PV uniforms and began to prepare for their pom performance. At 10:30 a.m. PVP hit the state floor one last time and gave a sharp and energetic routine. PVP junior, Sydney Lear, says, “I am very pleased with how we performed. This season we all worked our tails off, putting in countless hours in and outside of practice. I believe that the dances that we left on the state floor truly show all of that dedication and hard work.”
The team waited in anticipation until 9 p.m. when it was finally time for awards. First it was announced that senior, Gracie Wilson, was one of the four recipients of the ISDTA Senior Scholarship. After receiving the exciting news, Pleasant Valley Platinum was awarded with third place for their pom routine and second place for their jazz routine. The team was grateful for their placements and the opportunity to perform at such a respected dance competition. PVP sophomore, Amy Showers, explains, “It’s very exciting getting to dance at state in such a big arena and we are very lucky to have been able to dance there.”
Afterwards, celebrations took place to commend a season of hard work. Overall, the team gave it their all and were proud of the accomplishments they fulfilled at state. Showers also mentioned, “I’m proud of how hard we worked. We did our best and I’m happy to have gotten second and third in a hard division and I’m excited to work even harder for next year.”
The girls are excited to perform their routines at upcoming home basketball games and are already anticipating a great performance at next year’s state competition.