Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Tuesday, February 26, 2013
(MITCHELL) - The Mitchell Junior and High School Stingerz are headed to the 17th Annual Indiana High School Dance Team Association state competition.
The event will be held in New Castle High School on March 15th and 16th. Tickets will be available at the door. Solos / ensembles compete Friday, March 15 with teams on Saturday March 16.
High School Coach Michele Jones, says the girls did a fantastic job at the regional competition earning them a spot to compete at state.
"This is not a light-hearted thing," Jones says. "These young ladies practice year round. It takes a lot of dedication and hard work."
Ten girls competed on the high school jazz and elite kick team. They had to qualify at three invitations to compete at the southern regional competition held at Crawford High School.
"We also had four girls in the ensemble category," Jones says. "It is a smaller group that features our strongest dancers. They placed third, earning a spot to compete at state."
The jazz team placed fifth and the elite kick squad placed second securing spots in the state competition.
"Elite kick, is a real crowd pleaser," Jones says. "It is a very fast pace, visual dance, that takes a lot of endurance and stamina. It compares to a pom routine. Where jazz is more of your typical dance routine."
Mitchell Junior High Coach Erica Slaughter, says 15 of her girls performed at the regional competition.
The junior high team had to qualify at two invitational events to compete at regional.
"At regional they took the top five teams out of eight," Slaughter says. "We placed fourth."
Olivia Lagle, a 6th grader, shined in the solo routine.
"She was amazing," Slaughter says. "She didn't make it to state, but she stood out in the competition."
Twenty individuals ranging from sixth to ninth grade competed in the solo category.
"For only being in sixth grade she was outstanding," Jones says. "She was only six points from earning a spot at state and that is unbelievable for a sixth grader. She is an outstanding dancer and just amazing."
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