The competitive dance team from Lyons Township High School achieved a significant milestone on January 31 when it secured second place at the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) state meet. Held at the Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington, the team delivered a captivating performance that earned them a score of 96.60, narrowly missing the championship title held by Lake Park, which scored 96.88.
This marks a pivotal moment for the Lions, who have consistently participated in the state meet since 2018 but had never previously claimed a trophy. The excitement reached a peak during the awards ceremony, where the teams anxiously awaited the announcement of the top three placements. The tension heightened as the third-place team, Stevenson from Lincolnshire, was revealed, leaving the remaining finalists in suspense.
“We were thrilled when our name was called for second place,” said Brittany Smith, the team’s coach. “After the announcement of third place, it was a rollercoaster of emotions. There was a mix of doubt and hope, but we were proud knowing we put our best effort forward.”
The Lions’ success this year can be attributed to the innovative choreography created by seniors Hayden Frazier and Nora Foley. Unlike previous years when an outside choreographer was brought in, this time the team members crafted the routine themselves. “They utilized everyone’s individual strengths, which made a significant difference,” Smith explained.
Frazier and Foley had previously choreographed for their school’s Eurythmic Dance Company, showcasing their attention to detail and creativity. Their routine, themed “Dracula,” incorporated a unique avant-garde style that stood out among the competition. “It had a dark undertone, and many remarked on how different it was,” Smith noted.
The full roster of the Lions included talented dancers such as Kassidy Powell, Reese Morgan, Alexa Farmer, and many others, reflecting a strong team dynamic and commitment to excellence.
Following their success at the state level, the team quickly shifted focus to national competition. They traveled to Florida to compete in the Universal Dance Association meet on February 6-7, where they placed fifth in the Large Varsity D1 Jazz division with a score of 88.4125. “We’ve attended summer camps sponsored by UDA and qualified for nationals before, but this year felt right for us to compete,” Smith said.
The impressive achievements of the Lyons Township dance team highlight not only their talent and hard work but also the collaborative spirit fostered within the group. With their recent accolades, the team sets a promising precedent for future competitions and showcases the strength of student-led creativity.
