With the winter sports season wrapping up for the 25-26 school year, many teams have achieved great success. There is one team, though, that stands out due to the dedication and hard work portrayed all year long that made them grow. CHS’s very own dance team made memories, connections, and even school history.
This season began with the addition of three new coaches, and a practice schedule of everyday. “Compared to years prior, it was a lot to adjust to, but it really paid off in the end. I am so happy that we put in all of that time practicing because it prepared us for competition season,” senior Avery Chapman said.
And prepared them for competition season it did. The team not only qualified for the IDTA State Finals mid-season, but they also qualified for IHSA State for the first time in school history. They placed fifth place with their open pom routine focused on sharing Carterville spirit, missing fourth by less than a point. “Being a first year member, it was so special to make it to state and experience it with the best team. In August, I was unsure if I would even try out, but now, I can’t imagine school without dance,” freshman Adyson Ahner said.
The team did not advance to day two for IHSA State, but they were happy to achieve making it there, and already have big plans for next year. However, at IDTA State held in Springfield on February 13-14, the team competed with two soloists and two team routines, and came home sixth in the state with their jazz routine!
“I really enjoyed our jazz routine to ‘Cold as Ice’ by Foreigner this year. It gave us a lot of opportunity for musicality and to step into a different character. Moreover, I felt very prepared to compete every time we went out on the floor. That dance is a hard one to let go of,” said senior Lily Arnett.
Looking forward to next year, many ideas are in the works. With the great success they saw in just a few short months, the team’s grit and desire to become triumphant has only grown. “Stepping into this role as a first year coach has been both humbling and meaningful, especially returning to the same program where I danced 30 years ago. While I’m still learning every day, I’ve loved pouring into these athletes as dancers and as leaders, as well as helping them discover the confidence and character that will carry them far beyond the floor,” said head coach Beth Chapman.
