The HHS Flag and Dance teams have both been working hard this year. They have dedicated many hours to rehearsing and have competed at various local and area competitions. All of their efforts culminated at the IDTA Flag and Dance State Contest on February 13-14 at the BOS Center in Springfield, Illinois. At this elite competition, the best schools from across the state compete for IDTA awards.
The competitive events throughout the state competition are scored on a variety of categories. For the group categories, the judges focus on two main areas of a performance: execution and exhibition. The judges examine how a routine is executed, and are critical of even the smallest detail. They also critique based on exhibition, which involves observing if the moves match the music. The judges look for several different qualities in a solo performance, such as the emotion conveyed and the attitude through the moves. Regardless of the category, competitors must be performing to their best ability.
The flag team experienced remarkable achievements during the competition, securing first place in the AA Precision Flag category, a testament to their exceptional synchronization and precision. They also earned second place in the AA Lyrical Flag category, showcasing their ability to blend artistry with technical skill. Moreover, seven talented seniors represented the team in individual solo contests. Hanna Aponte, Denise Barriga, and Joanna Mora each had outstanding performances in the state preliminary round. Four more soloists, Haleigh Absher, Dakota Gibbs, Savannah Meneese, and Rylee Rady, qualified for the state finals round. Earning an impressive second-place finish and a $500 scholarship, Haleigh Absher stood out among the competitors with her standout performance. Remarking on the performance, Haleigh said she felt “shocked and excited. It was truly such an incredible moment.”
The dance team also observed success throughout their competitions. Although the team barely missed qualifying for the finals round, they all still represented with enthusiasm and courage. Seniors Skyla Triplett and Maddie Martin both competed in the solo category, showcasing their skills learned over the years.
The journey that has brought these two incredible teams to achieving their goals has been filled with many hours of practice and rehearsal. Both groups have been rehearsing since October, a commitment of more than four months. For the flag team, each week involved multiple three-hour practices that often lasted late into the evening. Similarly, the dance team rehearsed for over 10 hours each week, including early-morning practices on weekends.
All of the practice was then put to the test during the regional competitions, which occurred during the months leading up to state. These events are necessary for any competitor who wants a chance to qualify. They also offer a chance to improve routines and work on choreography. The flag team impressively scored well enough during the first regional competition, yet they still were able to beat their previous scores. Regarding the flag scores, Hanna Aponte excitedly shared that “the highest score achieved this year was a 91 out of 100 in Precision Flag. That score was one of the highest in the entire region.” The dance team qualified toward the middle of the competitions; the most impressive feat was at O’Fallon, where every single routine qualified.
It is evident that the long hours of practice paid off, and despite the long, exhausting months, the girls all stayed unified and committed to their sport. For the seniors, especially, they can all attest that the team is like a community that supports everyone.
Flag member Joanna Mora said that the team has been able to rise up to meet any challenge that has come their way. Remarking on the team, Joanna elaborated that they all have “grown as people. I am definitely more confident and outgoing because of the people on the flag team.”
Dance member Skyla Triplett offered similar remarks about her experience, even making the comparison that the team “is like a family. We practice together every day, and everyone is so close.”
Because of the team’s closeness, there have been many memorable moments as well.
For Maddie Martin, creating choreography for dance is an experience that stands out, as she got to plan and choreograph last year’s hip-hop routine and this year’s jazz routine. Additionally, she highlighted the UDA Nationals Trip as her favorite memory.
Rylee Rady elatedly stated her favorite memory was “getting to participate in a trio with two underclassmen friends. When we performed, I cried at the end, because it was the last time I would get to perform with them.”
The team ultimately credited the coaches for their constant instruction, guidance, and support throughout each step of the way. The flag team’s coach, Elisabeth Elliott, was even awarded the IDTA coach of the year award. As the season concluded, the girls all reminisced on their memories throughout the years. They all agreed that it’s been an incredible season filled with well-deserved success. The commitment and courage of our flag and dance teams shone brightly this past weekend.
Congratulations from the Tiger Tattler staff
