Last weekend, the EHS dance team hosted a regional competition and gave state-qualifying performances.
The competition was the second that the team participated in this season, following one held at Belleville East on Dec. 14.
The home competition was held on Saturday, Jan. 4 and featured a full day of performances by dancers from over 30 schools.
Each of EHS dance team’s four performances received scores of 80 or higher, thus qualifying them for other competitions throughout the next three months.
According to senior and varsity dancer Lucy Schapman, their successful performances reflect the effort they put in.
“We were really locked in the entire week before and really wanted to push our limits,” Schapman said. “I think our hard work really paid off and helped us do great.”
Their jazz and hip-hop routines placed first among other teams in the 3A IHSA ranking. JV and varsity will attend IHSA sectionals on Jan. 25 and state competitions on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1.
Additionally, their jazz and hip-hop routines qualified for the Illinois Drill Team Association state competition that will be held Feb. 15.
The dance team practices for upcoming competitions by observing of previous performances and their accompanying scores.
After each competition, they have “film days” in which they watch recordings of their routines, taking note of what needs to be worked on.
“Film days provide them with valuable feedback as they can observe areas that require improvement and address those during practice,” Ms. Lusicic said. “Things we worked on after our first competition included addressing timing issues, enhancing the execution of tricks in our hip-hop routine and rectifying formation issues.”
Not only do the dancers improve based on previous performances, but they also work to continue the dance team’s track record of success.
“This comp went pretty similar to how it has gone in past years,” senior Sophia Chapman said. “We usually qualify for state and place 1st at our home comp since we have a lot of practice time to better our routines before then.”
According to Chapman, there’s still some technical practice to do as they progress through the season, but they have their routine down and now they need to keep up the energy.
“Going through the motions and doing the dance is one thing,” she said. “But, to bring it to a higher level by making it mean something more and portraying a story, is another harder part of competing these routines.”
The team expects to continue competing with these routines as they head towards several more events throughout the season.
Varsity dance qualified for the national-level competition – “The Contest of Champions – that will be held at Universal Studios Orlando, from Feb. 28 to Mar. 2.
“I am looking forward to nationals in Florida,” Chapman said. “I am excited to keep growing together as a team and continue to make our dance more cohesive and engaging!
Alongside the achievements for the whole team, one dancer stood out to the judges last weekend and won “The Rising Star Medal.”
Sophomore Sally Schapman, Lucy Schapman’s sister, won the award only granted to a select few dancers.
“What the rising star award means to me is that my hard work is paying off,” Schapman said. “It is super exciting to be recognized and I’m so grateful.”
While some win individual awards at competitions and all dancers have specific roles to play, Ms. Lusicic said they were able to work as one team to qualify for further events.
“Last weekend’s performance was a pivotal competition for us,” Ms. Lusicic said. “Each girl striving to achieve one specific goal, which they accomplished with remarkable success.