On Dec. 1, the PV Platinum dance team traveled to Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines to compete in the annual Iowa High School State Dance Competition. The 18 varsity dancers performed in team routines routines, with six dancers competing as soloists.
The team was victorious with a first place finish in Pom Class XIII, defending their championship title for the fourth year in a row and earning the coveted Judge’s Choice award for best routine of the day. In the highly competitive Jazz category, the team earned second place in Class VIII. Each of the soloists earned a division one rating and four earned top-ten places. Sophomore Clare Tinsman placed eighth, junior Maci Quam placed third, senior Emma Richards placed second and senior Josie Kaffenberger placed first for the third year.
The outstanding results were only possible through the team’s months of dedicated work. Training for the state competition started with learning routine choreographies at the end of June. Rigorous practice continued throughout the fall season and into December. The team practiced three to four times a week in addition to individual training during off hours.
Beyond this, the soloists had to dedicate separate time to learn more choreography and perfect their routines. Senior Emma Richards described the training process as extremely rigorous. “Training for state competition dances is nothing like any other sport. Most teams get many games to try and perfect their strategies and plays, however, we only get one try for each dance,” she said.
With PV Platinum dancers taking 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, the entire team was proud of how the dancers represent PV. Richards recalled the ecstatic moments during the solo awards. “For solos, it was so exciting. I placed 2nd which I did last year as well, so I was really happy I kept my spot up there. Also, all of us were so proud of Josie for winning. She has obviously had the toughest year and persevered through everything being an amazing captain and leader. She deserved it,” Richards exclaimed.
The success of the team can be attributed to the unwavering support they have for one another. With a larger varsity team this year, 20 people rather than 15, it was important to stick together and stay coherent on the floor which they did. Freshman and first year varsity dancer, Ava Barsness, described how crucial a team coherence was. “Everyone on varsity is capable of doing the steps, it’s just being able to dance and work together so the dance is not only clean to the judges, but also is entertaining to people who aren’t experienced with dance” Barsness explained.
With the season at a close and the departure of the seniors, sadness has mixed in with the joy over state success. However, the future of the team looks bright and the girls are already thinking about work for the next season. With open gyms beginning after second semester, the girls recognize the importance of carrying this momentum and strength into next year.
