Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Audio Interviews: Sartell Dance Team

Today's audio feature is with the Sartell Sabres dance team coach Kelly McCarney.  We talk about winning that first state championship, pressure to repeat, balancing kick and jazz time at practice, and more.  Check out the recording from Matt Wallace here or hit the link for a non-flash player.  


  Sartell Interview by mnhsdanceteam

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Season Midway Point Summary

Well we're finally at the holiday break and the dance team season is over half done already!  I can't believe we're already talking about state plans and who will be looking good to make it to the big dance.  I have some thoughts on how things have gone so far and what to look for in the upcoming January invitational season.  

Class AAA:
Kick: AAA kick is having an interesting year after the departure of two of it's state finalists into AA and there is no clear leader in my mind at this point.  I tend to reserve judgement until the "state dances" make their appearances (for teams that make a switch) so not seeing anyone bring their best is pretty normal for this time of year.  The biggest surprise might be to see who is actually planning that switch at all, considering I'm seeing good money spent on "one time" costumes that might never make my state tape.  Eastview traditionally changes, and I'd put money on them doing so again, but Burnsville and Apple Valley are much more questionable.  EP looks invested into their wedding reception theme, and Brainerd with their "girls" mix.  Overall I think teams are on to something good - I'm being more entertained this season than recent memory, but there is a lot more contrast between the good sections of routines and the "oh boy, you should fix that" parts this year.  I think there will be some re-vamping over the break to hone in on what is making those dances work, leaving out the "well, we tried that" parts. 
Jazz:  On the jazz side of things, I think we're experiencing a touch of rebuilding and refocusing of the AAA division.  I'm not being blown away with skill, but it's nice to be reminded that some of the top teams are actually just teenage girls for a change.  With the talent being in more of an ebb, I think creative coaching and working that scoresheet will win the day.  Eastview is really jumping out to me as a truly entertaining and thoughtfully put together dance, a place the Lightning haven't usually found themselves in this time of year with jazz in the recent past.  If they can consistently take 3rd with a rocky start, I would look out for what they can do when things seem to be clicking early.  Wayzata and Maple Grove both look strong, but MG looks like they're still building their talent a bit this year - does that leave the door open for a new champ?  We'll have to see.  Overall I think the story here will be the teams that are on the bubble for going to state or won't make it at all - the general level of skill and choreography has been catching up and section 4 looks especially strong.  Should be some exciting matchups to come.  Key events: Wayzata Invitational, Sections

Class AA:
Kick:  Well this is a CROWDED field to say the least - I'm just glad it's not me making the decisions.  Chaska, Faribault, Austin, Simley, Holy Angels, and Benilde all look to be taking the challenge of section 1 seriously, but there isn't a clear pattern yet showing us a hint of the state lineup.  At this point Holy Angels might have the furthest to catch up, but they graduated a huge senior class and got a new coaching staff that will take time to get on track.  Benilde is taking a risk doing a "jazzier" dance to the themes from "Rio" which could boom or bust, and Faribault is playing their cards close to the chest as usual, giving no indication if they're changing their dance they way they did in AAA.  St. Cloud Cathedral appeared to be making a charge back to the top, but inter team drama might get in the way as  they'll be looking to replace their entire coaching staff mid-season.  So I'm not putting my eggs into anyone's basket just yet in this division.  Even Sartell hasn't won everything, so it's going to come down to the best on that day.  
Jazz:  Chaska and Totino seem to be covering some ground in this division, with the rest of last years finalists looking strong to return to the target center.  This division might be the strongest of all the jazz in the state, with even some generally average teams bringing some clean turns and leaps to the floor.  Key events: Totino Grace Invitational, Section 1 Championships

ClassA:
Kick: This is a tough one to call since so many teams compete in entirely separate circuits right up until state.  Aitkin and Cannon Falls will undoubtedly be strong, they'll have a once a season matchup in Alexandria next week that should tell us more.  One big remaining question mark will be YME who doesn't compete at all until January - I'm curious to see if they'll be my dark horse for a kick medal this year. 
Jazz: with so many of the top teams graduating big numbers of jazz dancers, it's a wide open field for who can do the most with what they have.  Duluth Marshall, Cannon Falls, and Frazee have all looked good when they've gotten out there so far, with Aitkin and YME still working behind the scenes.  Key Events: Alexandria Invitational, Marshall Invitational, State

Monday, December 26, 2011

Audio Interviews: Benilde St. Margarets Dance Team

Today our audio feature is with a long time respected coach and consultant, Kelly Hegarty, who is currently working only for the Benilde team, assisting with kick.  We chat at Matt Wallace's studio about feathery costumes, working with the talent you have vs. the talent you had in the past, and about what is next for the former Burnsville coach.

Direct Link: MNHS Dance Team Soundcloud

  Benilde Interview 12-20-11 by mnhsdanceteam

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Audio Interviews: Chaska Dance Team

As promised there is something new and exciting coming to MNHSDanceTeam.com as we enter the holiday break - audio interviews!  I got a chance to visit the studios of the one and only Matt Wallace who did all of the excellent audio recordings for me and helped organize the new features.  Thanks Matt!  Today we're talking to Tara LaTour Lindemeier who is on staff at Chaska High School where we talked about their new ventures into AA, competitive strategy changes, and even costume design (close to Tara's heart).  Enjoy! Having trouble loading the player?  Go to Soundcloud directly via this link:  MNHS Dance Team Soundcloud

  Chaska Interview 12-20-11 by mnhsdanceteam

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Late December Conference Results

Central Lakes Conference Jazz Meet -12/16/11 @ Sartell HS

1. St. Cloud Tech
2. Sartell
3. Sauk Rapids
4. St. Cloud Apollo
5. Rocori
6. Alexandria
7. Willmar
8. Fergus Falls
Brainerd-DQ

Maple Grove Invitational  12/17/11
Varsity Jazz AA
1. Chaska - (3)
2. Mound Westonka - (6)
3. Orono - (9)

JV Jazz AA
1. Mound Westonka - (3)
2. Orono - (8)

Varsity Kick AA
1. Mound Westonka - (4)
2. Hutchinson - (5)
3. Orono - (10)
 
AAA Varsity Jazz:
1. Maple Grove
2. Hopkins
3. Chanhassen
4. Rogers
5. Andover

AAA Varsity Kick
1. Maple Grove
2. Hopkins
3. Chanhassen
4. Andover
5. Rogers

Monday, December 19, 2011

Final December Invitationals - Results!

December is wrapping up quickly and the last Saturday of events is in the books!  Here's a few area results:

South Suburban Conference Championship 12/17
JV Jazz:
1. Eastview
2. Eagan
3. Burnsville

JV Kick:
1. Burnsville
2. Eastview
3. Apple Valley

Varsity Jazz:
1. Eastview
2. Eagan
3. Burnsville
4. Apple Valley
5. Prior Lake

Varsity Kick:
1. Eastview
2. Burnsville
3. Apple Valley
BOLD Invitational - 12/17/11
Class A varsity Jazz
1. Duluth Marshall
2. TMB
3. LQPV-DB
4. Lakeview
5. BOLD
6. RCW

A JV Jazz
1. RCW- A
2. RCW- B
3. BOLD

A Varsity Kick
1. LQPV-DB
2. Canby-Minneota
3. Crosby-Ironton
4. TMB

Fridley Invitational - 12/17/11
AA JV Kick:
1st: Austin (Rank 3)
2nd: Fridley (Rank 6)

AA Varsity Kick:
1st: Austin (Rank 3)
2nd: Fridley (Rank 6)
3rd: North Branch (Rank 9)
4th: Montevideo (Rank 12)
5th: Chisago Lakes (Rank was not announced)

AAA JV Kick:
1st: Centennial (Rank 3)

AAA Varsity Kick:
1st: Centennial (Rank 3)
2nd: Coon Rapids (Rank 6)

AA JV Jazz:
1st: Fridley Black (Rank 3)
2nd: Fridley Gold (Rank 7)
3rd: Chisago Lakes (Rank 8)

AA Varsity Jazz:
1st: Fridley (Rank 4)
2nd: Austin (Rank 5)
3rd: Chisago Lakes (Rank 9)
4th: North Branch (Rank 13)

AAA JV Jazz:
1st: Centennial (Rank 3)
2nd: Coon Rapids (Rank 6)

AAA Varsity Jazz:
1st: Centennial (Rank 3)
2nd: Coon Rapids (Rank 6)

Rochester John Marshall Invitational - 12/17/11

AA/AAA JV Jazz:
1. Forest Lake (4)
2. Rochester John Marshall (9.5)
3. Northfield (13)
4. Byron Black (16)
5. Roseville (19.5)
6. Rochester Century (22.5)
7. Byron Gold (28)


AA Varsity Jazz: 
1. Byron
2. Albert Lea


AAA Varsity Jazz:
1. Forest Lake (4)
2. Rochester John Marshall (8)
3. Rochester Century (14)
4. Northfield (14.5)
5. Roseville (19.5)
6. Minneapolis Southwest (25)
7. Minneapolis South (26)


AA Varsity Kick:
1. Albert Lea


AAA Varsity Kick:
1. Forest Lake (5)
2. Northfield (9)
3. Rochester John Marshall (12)
4. Roseville (15)
5. Rochester Century (19)
6. Minneapolis Southwest (23)
7. Minneapolis South (28)


Academy of Holy Angels Invitational: 12/17/11
AA Varsity Kick:
1. St. Cloud Cathedral
2. Chaska
3. Sartell St. Stephens
4. Totino Grace
5. Faribault
6. Academy of Holy Angels
7. Sauk Rapids - Rice


AA JV Kick:
1. Chaska
2. Academy of Holy Angels
3. Faribault
4. Marshall


AA Varsity Jazz:
1. Sartell (5)
2. Totino Grace (8)
3. St. Cloud Cathedral (12)
4. Marshall (15.5)
5. Waconia (21.5)
6. Holy Angels (23.5)
7. Sauk Rapids - Rice

AA JV Jazz:
1. Chaska
2. Totino Grace
3. Holy Family
4. Sauk Rapids - Rice


AA B-squad Jazz:
1. Totino Grace

Friday, December 16, 2011

North Suburban Conference Kick Meet - Results

North Suburban Conference Kick Meet Robbinsdale Cooper - 12/15/11
Side A
1- TG (3)
2- Irondale (6)
3- North Branch (10)
(Chisago and Cooper in this pool also)

Side B
1- SLP (3)
2- BSM (6)
3- Fridley (9)
(St. Francis and Columbia Heights in this pool)

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Latest Results: Mid December

Sorry for the delay in posting scores of your recent events, I finally got a chance to take a winter dance season vacation (first time in 9 years...or more) and I had a hard time updating from the 11,000 feet!  Sure was nice getting some fresh snow and sunshine in beautiful Aspen Colorado.  The picture below is myself with my husband Brian - we're standing in front of Snowmass and the "Maroon Bells" mountains.  I might have missed out on my usual trip to the Eastview Invite - but it was well worth the view!  Jumped off the plane last night at drove straight to the Mounds View Suburban East Conference meet -- just in case I was missing out.  Glad to be home - here are your results!


 Northwest Suburban Conference Kick meet at Elk River: 12/12/11 *NEW*
Side A
1. Elk River
2. Centennial

Side B
1.Maple Grove
2. Blaine


South Suburban Conference Jazz at Rosemount 12/6

Side A:
1. Eastview (Rank 3)
2. Rosemount (Rank 10)
3. Prior Lake (Rank 10.5)
(Bloomington and Lakeville South also on side A)

Side B:
1. Eagan (Rank 5.5)
2. Lakeville North (Rank 9)
(Apple Valley and Burnsville also on side B)

Wright County Conference Kick Meet 12/8/11 at Hutchinson:

1.  Mound Westonka (4)
2.  Waconia (6)
3.  Hutchinson (9)

Eastview Invitational 12/10/11 (still need more results sent in!)


AAA Varsity Jazz:
1. Maple Grove (Rank 3)
2. Eastview (Rank 6)
3. Eden Prairie (Rank 9)
4. Spring Lake Park (Rank 14)
5. Minnetonka (Rank 16.5)
6. Blaine (Rank 20)


AAA Varsity Kick:
1. Eastview (Rank 4)
2. Eden Prairie (Rank 5)
3. Maple Grove (Rank 11)
4. Apple Valley (Rank 13.5)
5. Burnsville (Rank 14)
6. Wayzata (Rank17.5)

AA Varsity Jazz *NEW*
 
1-Chaska(3)
2-Benilde St. Margaret(6)
3-Byron(10)
4-Kasson Mantorville(12)
5-Duluth Denfeld(15.5)
6-Pequot Lakes(18.5)
7-Zimmerman(20)
8-Chisago Lakes(24)
 
AA Varsity Kick *NEW*
 
1-Chaska(3)
2-Faribault(6)
3-Pequot Lakes(10)
4-Kasson Mantorville(11)
5-Chisago Lakes(16.5)
6-Duluth Denfeld(17.5)
7-Zimmerman(19.5)
8-Byron(22)
 
Albany Top Hat Dance Invitational 12/10/11

Class A JV Kick
1. Aitkin JV (Black)
2. Pierz JV
3.  Frazee JV

Class A Varsity Kick
1.  Aitkin All Starz     Rank 3
2.  Pelican Rapids Valkyries  Rank 6
3.  Pierz Pizzazz  Rank 10

Class AA JV Kick
1.  St Cloud Cathedral JV   Rank 3
2.  Albany JV   Rank 6

Class AA Varsity Kick
1. St Coud Cathedral Crusaderettes   Rank 3
2. St Cloud Apollo Astronettes   Rank 6
3. Albany Pawettes   Rank 9
4. Becker Rank 12

Class A JV Jazz
1.  Frazee JV   Rank 3
2.  Bold JV Rank 6

Class A  Varsity Jazz
1.  Frazee  Fly Girls Rank 3
2.  Pelican Rapids  Valkyries   Rank 7
3.  BOLD Divas   Rank 8

Class AA Varsity Jazz
1  St Cloud Cathedral Crusaderettes  Rank 3
2. St Cloud Apollo Astornettes Rank 6
3. Albany Pawettes Rank 10

Suburban East Conference Kick/Jazz Meet - Mounds View 12/12/11

Varsity Kick:
1. Forest Lake (3)
2. Mounds View (6)
3. Cretin Derham Hall (10)
4. Roseville (15)
5. Stillwater (15.5)
6. Woodbury (17.5)
7. Park (19)

Varsity Jazz:
1. Forest Lake (3)
2. Cretin Derham Hall (7)
3. Mounds View (8)
4. Woodbury (13)
5. Stillwater (14)
6. Roseville (18)
7. Park (21)

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Conference Results 12/6

Classic Suburban Conference Kick Meet - Richfield High School 12/6
Group A
First Place--Simley (4)
Second Place--Hill-Murray (9)
Third Place--North St Paul (12)
Fourth Place--Tartan (15)

Group B
First Place--Henry Sibley (5)
Second Place--South St Paul (7)
Third Place--Richfield (12)

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Conference Results - Early December Meets

More conference results are in!  Remember, if you want your invitational schedules posted for this weekend I'll need them by Wednesday.  


Northern Lights Conference Kick Meet - Pierz High School Friday 12/2:
Varsity High Kick-  
1st Aitkin (3)  
2nd Pequot Lakes (6)  
3rd Pierz (9)  
4th Pine River Backus (12)  
5th Crosby-Ironton DQ   

Junior Varsity  
1st Crosby-Ironton (4)  
2nd Pequot Lakes (5.5)  
3rd Pierz (10)  
4th Aitkin Red (10.5)  
5th Aitkin Black DQ

Mississippi 8 Conference Jazz Meet Zimmerman High School, Monday 12/5

1st St. Cloud Cathedral (3)
2nd Rogers (6)
3rd Zimmerman (9)
4th Monticello
5th Becker
6th Big Lake

Suburban East Conference Kick/Jazz Meet - Cretin Durham Hall, Monday 12/5
Varsity Jazz:
1. Forest Lake (3)
2. Mounds View (6)
3. Stillwater (12)
4. Cretin-Durham Hall (12) lost tie breaker
5. Woodbury (14)
6. Roseville (16.5)
7. Park (20.5)


JV Jazz:
1. Forest Lake JV (3)
2. Cretin Durham Hall JV (7.5)
3. Mounds View JV (8)
4. Roseville JV (11.5)


Varsity Kick:
1. Forest Lake (5)
2. Mounds View (8)
3. Cretin Durham Hall (10.5)
4. Roseville (11.5)
5. Stillwater (13)
6. Park (16.5)
7. Woodbury (20)


JV Kick:
1. Forest Lake
2. Cretin Durham Hall

Monday, December 5, 2011

Invitational Season is in Full Swing!

Well, we survived yet another snowy and long Saturday of dance team invitationals across the state.  This past weekend's biggest events were are Apple Valley and Chaska High Schools, with a lot of new stories developing.  I was at the Apple Valley invitational this weekend and got to see 100 or so teams really dance up a storm.

Goings on from Apple Valley:

In class A and AA, many of the teams were having their first performance or competition.  Teams from as far away as St. Charles (east of Rochester) and Crosby (Mille Lacs area) made the trek.  Cannon Falls made their kick debut for the year and certainly brought their kicks from state last year with them.  They'll be looking for a trip to state again as usual at this rate.  Faribault also made their first AA appearance since being moved down and while there were a few first time jitters showing, they brought some of their usually solid and well conditioned dancing to the AA division.  Austin was another AA kick highlight - I felt like they were really trying something new for them and didn't just do something tried and true in content.  Not a bad idea since section 1AA is the stiffest competition in the state these days.  

AAA had a huge line up as usual for the AV invite, with Brainerd taking the kick contest with their "girls" theme dance and St. Cloud Tech winning the jazz.  Brainerd and Tech just met on Thursday night for a conference meet in kick with the placements being reversed, so the Kixters must be thrilled to have grabbed it back 2 days later.  Apple Valley notably fell to 4th, but after checking the scores, they'd had a 3 pt per judge deduction (i'm not sure from what) that cost them a placement over Lakeville North.  Not a fun way to slip down a place at your home school.  
In jazz, Tech has some of the best jazz costumes i've seen so far this year - very pretty for their "Stairway to Heaven" dance.  One thing I noticed from the jazz division is that its a good year to stay out of section 4AAA jazz.  There are some serious powers going on there.  Brainerd, Tech, Blaine, Andover, and Duluth East all are pushing hard and then there were still strong showings from Anoka and Elk River.  There will be some quality dances left out of state from that section for sure. 

Keep on dancin!

Saturday, December 3, 2011

12/3 Invite Results

Chaska Invitational:
AA B Squad Jazz
1. Totino-Grace (rank 3)


AA JV Jazz
1. Chaska (rank 3)
2. Simley (rank 6.5)
3. Totino-Grace (rank 10.5)
4. Holy Family (11.5)


AA Varsity Jazz
1. Chaska (rank 3)
2. Totino-Grace (rank 9)
3. St. Cloud Cathedral (rank 10)
4. Sartell (rank 11.5)
5. Simley (rank 13.5)
6. Benilde (rank 20.5)


AA JV Kick
1. Totino-Grace (rank 4.5) Double Tie Breaker
2. Chaska (rank 4.5)
3. Academy of Holy Angels (rank 9)
4. St. Cloud Cathedral (rank 12)


AA Varsity Kick
1. Sartell (rank 3.5)
2. Chaska (rank 5.5)
3. St. Cloud Cathedral (rank 9)
4. Benilde (rank 12)
5. Sauk Rapids-Rice (rank 15)
6. Academy of Holy Angels (rank 19.5)


B Squad AAA Jazz
1. Eastview (rank 3)



Apple Valley Invitational:

AAA B Squad Jazz:
1. Eagan B Squad
2. Rogers JV Blue
3. Lakeville North B Squad
4. Anoka B Squad
5. Rochester Mayo B Squad

AAA JV High Kick:
1. Apple Valley JV
2. Brainerd JV
3. Lakeville South JV
4. Lakeville North JV
5. Prior Lake JV
6. Osseo JV
7. Rochester Mayo JV

A JV Kick:
1. Lakeville Starliners
2. Cannon Falls JV
3. Crosby-Ironton JV

A Varsity Jazz:
1. St. Charles
2. Brooklyn Center
3. WEM

A Varsity Kick:
1. Cannon Falls
2. Crosby-Ironton
3. Wabasha-Kellogg
4. St. Charles
5. Brooklyn Center

AA JV Jazz:
1. New Prague JV
2. Fridley JV
3. Waconia JV
4. Fridley JV B

AA JV High Kick:
1. Fairibault JV
2. Belle Plaine JV
3. Waconia JV A
4. Zimmerman JV

AA Varsity Jazz:
1. Austin
2. Waconia
3. Fridley
4. Zimmerman
5. Concordia Academy
6. New Ulm

AA Varsity Kick:
1. Faribault
2. Austin
3. Rocori
4. Belle Plaine
5. Waconia
6. Zimmerman
7. New Prague
8. New Ulm
9. Concordia Academy

AAA Varsity Kick:
1. Brainerd (4)
2. St. Cloud Tech (5)
3. Lakeville North (11)
4. Apple Valley (11.5)
5. Lakeville South (16)
6. Minnetonka (20) tie with Irondale
7. Irondale (20)
8. Andover (24)
9. Prior Lake (27.5)
10. Rogers (28)
11. Champlin Park (32.5)
12. Rochester Mayo (35)
13. Roseville (38.5)
14. Stillwater (42)
15. Minneapolis South (45)
16. Osseo (48)

AAA Varsity Jazz:
1. St. Cloud Tech (3)
2. Duluth East (8)
3. Brainerd (8.5)
4. Minnetonka (12)
5. Rogers (18.5)
6. Andover (20.5)
7. Anoka (22)
8. Lakeville North (24)
9. Apple Valley (26.5)
10. Champlin Park (28)
11. Elk River (28.5)
12. Irondale (35)
13. Lakeville South (36.5)
14. Prior Lake (40)
15. Rochester Mayo (46)
16. Osseo (49)
17. Stillwater (50.5)
18. Roseville (51.5)
19. Minneapolis South (57)

AAA JV Jazz:
1. Elk River (4)
2. Andover (5)
3. Champlin Park (11.5)
4. Eagan (14)
5. Duluth East (18)
6. Rogers JV Black (19.5)
7. Lakeville South (20)
8. Minnetonka (21.5)
9. Lakeville North (28)
10. Anoka (28)
11. Prior Lake (29)
12. Roseville (37)
13. Osseo (40)
14. Rochester Mayo (40)

Friday, December 2, 2011

North Suburban Conference Kick Meet - Results

North Suburban Conference Kick Meet - Fridley High School 12/1

Group 1:
1. Totino Grace (3)
2. Benilde St. Margarets (7)
3. North Branch (8)

Group 2:
1. Spring Lake Park (3)
2. Irondale (6)
3. Fridley (9)