As the ALHS dance team’s season came to an end, they held a performance and senior night in the fieldhouse. This year, the dance team had the opportunity, even with Covid, to perform at state in Des Moines. Wrapping up their season together, the team held a show at ALHS that family members and friends could attend. 

The team’s end of year show consisted of eight team dances and other dances from local studios. Madison Stark, senior dance team member, said this was a very emotional night for the team. The show concluded with a senior dance, and this was the last performance for the seniors to have together.

“The night of the show was very emotional because it was our last performance as dance team members,” Stark said. “It is something I will cherish and remember for the rest of my life.”

This dance was an opportunity for the girls to wrap up their season, and earn money for their team from tickets and baskets that were being auctioned. Awards were given to the dance team members at their banquet dinner, and seniors were recognized at senior night. 

“We have awards to every team member at our banquet dinner,” Stark said. “We like to give them accomplishment awards to appreciate how they have improved throughout the year.”

Senior Caitlin Weber also was part of the dance team. She said her favorite part of the end of year show was when they got to say goodbye to the team. 

“Our end of year show consisted of eight team dances and some extra dances from local studios,” Weber said. “The night was super fun and everyone danced really well, but my favorite part was the senior dance at the end where we got to say goodbye to our team.”

With Covid affecting nearly everything, from school days to big events, the team had a bit of a different year. They added more new girls this year, and managed to put together dances with Covid regulations still in order.

“We added a lot of new girls to the team this year but we grew super close and improved fast through all of our daily morning practices and our performances,” Weber said. 

As their season continued, the team advanced to state and was able to perform. State dance looked different, just like most things have in 2020/2021, due to covid. This did not affect the team’s performance, however, earning division 1 in all three of their dances. 

“State was a little different than usual with Covid restrictions, like masks and social distancing,” Weber said. “But we were still able to compete in Des Moines and we earned a division one in all three of our routines.” 

Stark felt as if state dance was different this year. 

“State was very different from past years, but it was still a great experience and it’s always fun to perform.”

Both Stark and Weber claim that being part of the dance team has changed them. Throughout the years, growing as a team and individually, these seniors conclude their dancing career at ALHS. 

“Being involved in the dance team in high school was definitely an amazing experience,” Weber said. “I’ve grown so much as a dancer and I’ve made some of my best friends through the team.”