Warriors to dance for state title this weekend
The Brainerd Warrior dance team is making another trip to state and the dancers want you to know about it.
"One of the hardest things for Brainerd to realize is that making it to state is a big deal," head coach Cindy Clough said this week. "We were the only team in our section to make it in both kick and jazz and we are proud of that fact. We also are proud of the discipline, sacrifice and time these kids have spent getting this far."
The Warriors will compete Friday in jazz funk and Saturday in high kick in the State Dance Team Tournament at the Target Center in Minneapolis. Twelve teams will compete in both categories in the first round. Then the top six teams will make it to finals to compete for the state championship title.
The Brainerd Warrior dance team members worked on their routine Tuesday in the gym at the Franklin Arts Center in Brainerd.
Brainerd Dispatch/Kelly Humphrey
The Warriors plan to leave at 1 p.m. Thursday from The Lodge in Baxter, after a luncheon sponsored by the Sports Boosters. Fans are encouraged to join in on the send-off celebration.
Clough said the Brainerd dance team has qualified for state in the high kick competition every year, except one, since 2000. In jazz, Brainerd has qualified five times.
Last year at state, Brainerd placed fifth in high kick and 12th in jazz. This year, Clough hopes the team makes it to finals in both competitions.
"The kick team has vastly improved this season, but I am sure the other teams have too," said Clough. "There are only about three teams that we feel we do not worry about, the rest are all great teams. It is all so tough ... the difference between earning sixth or seventh place and making it to finals is so small and that is what is hard.
"We will give it our best shot and feel prepared. We just want to get there (finals.)"
Clough said there will be 24 girls competing on the kick team at state. Clough said the dancers have been working on details this week, including their endurance. The team also worked on its alignment and timing to make sure every beat is synchronized.
Clough said she wasn't thrilled last year with the jazz team's 12th place finish. This year she has higher hopes for the team.
"We really hope to perform well in jazz," said Clough. "Nailing our turns is our goal. Our choreography is solid and our style and timing is very good. We are scoring well on leaps, jumps and difficulty. ... All the ballet is paying off. It really makes a difference with technique, giving us strength and grace."
Competing in Class 3A Friday in jazz in order of performance will be Wayzata, Eastview, Mounds View, Brainerd, Burnsville, Irondale, Maple Grove, Chaska, Blaine, Lakeville North, Spring Lake Park and Anoka.
Competing in Class 3A Saturday in kick in order of performance will be Henry Sibley, Eastview, Spring Lake Park, Maple Grove, Elk River, Eden Prairie, Faribault, Chaska, Burnsville, Brainerd, Irondale and St. Cloud Tech.
Both competitions begin at 2:30 p.m.
There are seven seniors on the dance team this year and the captain is Brittney Schubert. Coaches along with Clough are Ali Clough, Julie Davidge, Melissa Miller and Christina Sanow.
JENNIFER STOCKINGER may be reached at jennifer.stockinger@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5851.