The Go-Hawk Dance Team earned a state championship for the third time in program history.
Waverly-Shell Rock dancers won the title in Class III Novelty with a lifeguard themed routine. The routine earned an average 92.25 out of 100 points possible. The novelty category combines story-telling and dancing. Teams must earn an average score of 80 or above to receive a Division I rating making them eligible for trophy placement. The Go-Hawk Dance Team was praised by judges for its energy, commitment to the story, musicality, athleticism, and strength of movement.
“Several of our current and former dancers worked as lifeguards over the summer,” said Coach Jori Wade-Booth. “Their summer job sparked an idea and from there grew into a super-fun routine.”
According Wade-Booth, this year’s dance team is young with only one junior, one freshman and five sophomores.
“We have no seniors and this can sometimes be difficult when you are looking for leadership within your team,” said Wade-Booth. “It was not a problem with these dancers, they really stepped up and worked together. I’m so proud of their work-ethic.”
In addition to its win, the team earned a Division I rating and placed in the top 10 in Class XII Pom Division, won the Academic Excellence Award and the Lois Turnage Outstanding Community Service Award. Two weeks ago the team competed at The Dance Challenge at Cedar Falls High School where it won first place in the Large School Open Division, first place in the Large School Pom Division, and overall High Score in the Large School Division.
The dance team practices at 6 a.m. during the week and on Sunday afternoons. The team started practice in June to prepare for its season and competition. You can find the dance team performing at pregame of football games, half-time of select basketball games, and in various community events. Next up, the dancers are planning the team’s annual Dance Team Showcase on Feb. 4 at 3:30 p.m. in the WSR Middle School Competition Gym.
The 48th annual Iowa High School and College State Dance Team Championships took place at Wells Fargo Arena Nov.29-Dec. 1. Organized by the Iowa State Dance Team Association (ISDTA), the event is the country’s largest high school dance team competition with 251 teams participating.
“For nearly 50 years ISDTA has been advocating for the sport of dance and drill team,” said Andrea Dana, executive director for ISDTA. “These teams are made up of the most talented and creative performance athletes in the state. They continue to surprise and impress our judges.”
Teams are divided into classes based on school enrollment. Performers earn points for choreography, execution, difficulty, and showmanship. Routines are evaluated and judged by industry professionals from all corners of the United States. Team competition categories include pom, hip hop, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, color guard, military, kick, hoopla, light, novelty, prop, all male, co-ed, and show production.
To view the winning routines, tune into Iowa PBS for the ISDTA Championship Highlight Special on Jan. 28, 2024.