On Saturday, Oct. 28, the Iowa State Dance Team Association will be holding the first ever qualifying round for the state solo championships. Over 900 competitors from all over the state will compete in color guard or dancing events that are split into categories. The top 10 scoring routines from each class will then advance to the ISDTA State Championships held in Des Moines on December 1. The Abraham Lincoln Dance Team has 9 soloists ready to compete in the state qualifier on Saturday at Newton High School. 

Head Coach Rachel Neill is thrilled to see how far each soloist has progressed and improved their routines for this amazing opportunity. 

“Our dancers run their routines weekly in practices and coaches provide them with critiques and feedback to improve,” said Neill. “The growth of the dancers over the course of the last two months has been great to see.” 

Senior soloist Sylvia Stott has participated in the dance for around 12 years. She is ready for the competition and is grateful to end her senior season with such an amazing experience. 

“Usually I just envision myself the night before and just make sure to run my solo many times months in advance,” said Stott. “I am glad to have the opportunity to I can finish my senior year with an amazing state solo.” 

Neill loves how determined each dancer has been and is happy for them to show off their incredible talents at the competition. 

“Have fun and dance from your heart,” said Neill. “Everyone is so proud of the work you’ve put in, everything else is just the icing on top.”