This year the Notre Dame Dance Team competed at the Contest of Champions National Competition in Orlando, Florida.  They took 3rd place in Medium Kick, 4th place in Medium Pom, and 4th place in Jazz.

They were only five points away from 3rd place in Jazz and 9.5 points away from 3rd place in Pom.  At nationals they usually perform Pom, Jazz, and Kick.     

“It was an unreal feeling getting announced this year with third place and then having our other two routines place fourth. The year before we got close to, if not, last place,” said Grace Balison, senior captain..

This particular competition is an open event that does not require qualification. However, the coaching staff makes the decision to attend based on the outcome of the dance season and how tryouts go.  

Contest of Champions National Competition is held in Orlando, Florida, at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex each March. There are other national events for high school teams in Minnesota, Illinois and Florida.

“This year was only our second year competing here, but we hope that it becomes a tradition for future years,” said Balison.

One of the biggest accomplishments the team made this year was being able to bring their Pom and Jazz routine to the state competition in Lacrosse, WI.  After they did not advance with their pom routine last season, they set a goal over the summer to advance both routines. In order for the team to advance, they had to place in the top five at regionals and they placed third in both routines.    

Their biggest challenge this year was the length of the season. In order to be ready for fall season they begin prepare over the summer and then continue through basketball season.

The competitive season begins in November and has the potential to run through March if they attend Nationals.  

“We break up the season by learning different routines for fall season and competition season and bring in new choreographers and consultants to help keep the team motivated and fresh,” said Balison.

Dance Team tryouts for the 2019-2020 season will be held May 6, 7 and 9 in the Alumni Gym and are open to current 8th-11th graders who will be attending NDA next year.