Pleasant Valley Platinum (PVP) stepped into state week calm, proud and full of confidence in how well they worked together. For months, training built a bond so strong that trust held firm during tough rehearsals or when pressure weighed down the season.
This year, the dancers put in endless hours at rehearsal, going over choreography till each move was perfect. Every turn, leap and shift became a chance for them to grow stronger together. Since they relied on one another during group dances, their timing synced up smoothly. All the practice days didn’t only clean up technique, it fueled their drive, pushing them toward the state competition.
Senior and co-captain Ellie Yassin reflected on how the team has challenged her to grow over the past couple of seasons. “This season has pushed us as we lost a strong group of seniors and had to learn to adjust and regroup. With the dance world always progressing, we had to rise to the occasion and become stronger than ever before. Leadership was extremely important this season and together, we were able to grow and excel past any hardships.”
Pleasant Valley’s name in the Pom category has been solid for years. Taking first place three years straight built trust and pressure along with it. On Dec. 5, they earned third place in Pom and another third for Jazz. Even so, the team left with heads high because they knew they had poured everything into their routines.
Preparing for state puts both physical and mental strains to the challenge. “Physically, we practice 8.5 hours a week, and work our bodies to the absolute max, all while dealing with studio dance and school,” shared senior Millie Matkovich. “Come November, state becomes more of a mental game of knowing you belong and knowing you are doing your best.”
State weekend highlighted not only how strong the team is, but also their solo dancers. Platinum brought home a solo title along with soloist placements in third, fifth, sixth, eighth and tenth. This year, the overall championship was won by sophomore Mara Quam, co-captain of PVP, who came in tenth place her freshman year. Her dedication and consistent effort fueled her determination to place higher. Every soloist performed with lots of energy and still brought team energy with focus and passion.
After months of preparations, PVP showed the strength and growth they poured into their routines. “Performing at state ultimately shows all of the blood, sweat and tears we have put in each season. Six months of state prep shine through what we do on that state floor. Being able to showcase all of the hard work we have done each season with the Platinum family is the best feeling, no matter the placement,” shared Yassin.
Pleasant Valley Platinum walked away from the weekend feeling proud. They earned top-three placements in both of the categories they competed in and claimed over half of the top ten solo spots, including the overall champion. Though their routines marked the closing of the season, the deeper victory came from their growth as dancers and as teammates.
