IHSA Competition #1 Danceline kicked off the Competitive Dance season at an IHSA Invitational at Bremen High School on Sunday, December 11. The first competition is always full of nerves for dancers, coaches and parents alike; last minute choreography changes, costume alterations and the anticipation of revealing new routines to the judges… Both Varsity and Junior Varsity had outstanding first showings of their routines. Varsity placed First out of fifteen 2A teams (2nd place: Oak Forest, 3rd place: Argo). The Bremen competition traditionally provides an opportunity to go up against many teams that we will see again at IHSA Sectionals. This was an excellent start to the season.
IHSA Competition #2 Hornet Danceline competed at the IHSA invitational at Stagg High School on Saturday, December 17. Dancers were still excited after last week’s outstanding finishes at Bremen. Neither Varsity nor JV placed in the top three this week however we received a lot of positive attention from the dance community. In reference to Varsity Kick: “Hinsdale South with a kicktastic routine—the facials, accentuating the shuffle rhythm of the song, the spacing—all really good” - 8CountAudio In reference to Varsity Pom: “Hinsdale South pom routine is so upbeat and the way they keep the energy up the whole time… executing those pom exchanges perfecting and always dancing sharply through the formation transitions!” -8CountAudio In reference to JV Pom Dance: “Hinsdale South JV with some pretty strong, busy pom work saved for the very end. Good energy!” -8CountAudio
IHSA Competition #3 Coming off of Winter break, Hornet Danceline competed at an IHSA invitational at Rolling Meadows High School on Saturday, January 7. Rolling Meadows is one of our favorite competitions of the year- we get to see many of the North-suburban schools that we anticipate seeing at state. Traditionally this is the hardest competition of the season. The Northern teams dominated the day however Hornet Danceline still captured the support of the dance community. In reference to Varsity Kick: “Hinsdale South shows off their athleticism in that kick routine and also sneaking in some nice jazz moments.” -8Count Audio
IHSA Competition #4 Hornet Danceline Hit the road and traveled to Fieldcrest, IL on Saturday, January 14 for an IHSA invitational at Fieldcrest High School. This week was challenging for dancers and coaches as the NASTY flu made its way through the team. Thankfully we floored all dancers (however we were down one coach). Enduring the team flu, the long bus drive and the resolve of the team paid off: We brought home 2 FIRST PLACE Trophies. Varsity took home First place for their Pom routine and Third place for their kick routine. JV place First with their Pom Dance routine. This was a wonderful way to prepare for next week’s IHSA Sectional Competition.
IHSA Sectionals The 2017 IHSA Sectionals was hosted at Geneva High School (home of the defending 2A Dance State Champions) on Saturday, January 21. There are five different Sectional groupings throughout the state; each sectional is comprised of 16 teams. In order to advance to state, a team must place in the top 6 in their sectional. Hinsdale South Placed 4th in their sectional, earning a bid to state for the Fifth consecutive year (each year of IHSA Competitive Dance’s existence). We are proud of our Hornet Danceline!
IHSA STATE For the Fifth consecutive year, Hornet Danceline traveled down to US Cellular Coliseum in Bloomington to compete in the IHSA Competitive Dance State Finals on Friday, January 27. Upon arriving, the team was excited to learn that their team photo was selected to grace the cover of the IHSA State program- awesome honor!!! Hornet Danceline finished in sixteenth place, which is up significantly from last year’s finish but still fell short of our objective/goal. Regardless of placement, the team continues to make Hornet Nation proud! SOUTH PRIDE!
IDTA Competition #1 Following IHSA, Hornet Danceline happily returned to the world of category dance competitions with Illinois Drill Team Association. An IDTA invitational was hosted at Hononegah High School on Saturday, February 4. It was a remarkable day for Hornet Danceline! Varsity Pom place First and qualified for the Category State Championships. Varsity Kick place First and qualified for the Category State Championships and JV Pom Dance placed First as well!
IDTA Category State Championships Hornet Danceline wrapped up their competitive season on Saturday, February 11 at the Prairie Capital Convention Center in Springfield, IL. Varsity took home Second in 2A Kick and were named State Champions in 2A Pom. This makes for the 7th Pom Championship and a total of 11th Category Championship State Title for Hornet Danceline. Pom Champions in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017 Kick Champions in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015