The first round is behind us now and 19 teams have earned a spot in the state lineup. They are filled in on the state performance order listed by mnhsdanceteam.com - This weekend we have twice as many meets to fill the rest of our roster and send us full steam into the Target Center! Good luck to all the teams participating…..
Class A:
Section 1A: This group is typically dominated by the Cannon Falls Bombers and this year looks to be no exception. The BDT will be looking for their staggering 9th consecutive kick section championship in a new location at Dover-Eyota. Lake City will also be looking good in the kick division, with teams from St. Charles and Zumbrota looking for the #3. In jazz, Cannon Falls looks good for qualifying again, with Zumbrota and St. Charles adding repeat visits themselves if all goes well.
Section 2A: The section held in Aitkin is rather a mis-match of geography, hosting teams from as far away as New Ulm to Duluth. The reorganization should still yield Aitkin and Duluth Marshall as the top spots in both divisions, with special interest on the jazz division where we’ll see if Duluth Marshall is looking good to take yet another state championship or not. Aitkin might give them a run for it, but they missed out on a chance to meet up at the Mounds View Invite when Aitkin (among others) dropped the event. Should add more drama to Saturday’s matchup for sure. The remaining 3rd place is up for grabs in a section that doesn’t go head to head often enough to venture a guess. Perhaps we’ll get a newcomer in this field.
Section 3A: This heated pack will be the place to see all the class A action on Saturday with teams from YME, LqPV, BOLD, RCW, and every other initialed combination you can think of battling it out. Yellow Medicine East is my pick for tops in jazz and possibly kick, while Lac Qui Parle Valley looks to qualify in kick again and possibly make its first ever jazz state appearance after adding the program only last year. Tracy is looking strong to qualify in one or both, while RCW and BOLD will join the hunt with BOLD looking better in kick than jazz for a change.
Class AA:
Section 1AA: This one will be the place to be if you’re willing to make the trek to Austin to watch the action unfold. One thing is for sure about this section – there will be teams I want on my state video who won’t make it. Chaska is looking to take the top spot in both in my book. I saw their last performances at the preview, and it was wow. Their kick contained physical depictions of crocodiles, hieroglyphics, and even Nile rivers flowing - the full visual picture. I’m not sure I’ve EVER seen that level of detail accomplished before. Gonna raise the bar, that one. Their jazz is a more sophisticated version of their “typical” (yet new) style. Solid, impressive, and polished to the last. The remaining kick division contains strong teams from Faribault, Benilde, Holy Angels, Austin, and Simley who are looking for their ticket to state. Faribault is not to be doubted in a pressure situation like this one, and then I’d guess either Austin or Benilde will sneak in the last spot. That’s entirely a guess as I think it will be a best of the moment decision. Dance Team at its’ finest! Jazz has the same top names, with Benilde and Simley as likely qualifiers in my book.
Section 2AA: This field will most certainly feature Totino Grace prominently on the podium, with strong kick performances from Fridley, Hill Murray, and North Branch to round it out. In jazz, Totino, Fridley, Hill Murray, and Chisago Lakes are looking good for top placements. With the departure of Rogers to AAA , we’ll for sure see some new faces emerge from this section.
Class AAA:
Section 1AAA: The evening section at Bloomington Kennedy should be a strong kick matchup with teams from Eastview and Apple Valley looking strong for qualification. Burnsville and Lakeville North will try to get return trips to state after not making it in kick last season. Burnsville will likely be bringing a new, little seen dance to the table which could be a wild card. Eastview will do their new “music box dancer” routine complete with black tutus and pink tights, possibly channeling their inner black swan. In jazz, Eastview, Burnsville, and Lakeville North look good for repeat visits to the state floor, with some possible wild card action in there from a more open field than previous years.
Section 3AAA: The morning session at Bloomington will be a tighter race than usual with top teams scoring closely in both divisions. The only clear standout will likely be Spring Lake Park jazz which was chill inducing at the section preview. I am also really on board with Centennial’s kick dance as my pick in that division. Eagan is looking strong to qualify in both, along with someone from the pack of Henry Sibley, Irondale, and Forest Lake in there for trips to state. This one will be a photo finish.
Best of luck to all the talented athletes!
Class 3A is going to be the place to be. This section is tough. With Monte moving up to AA it opened a kick spot up for any one to grab. I think it could be YME or LQPV-DB taking first. and the 3rd place could go to anyone from TMB, BOLD, RCW, Canby/Minneota or even MACCRAY if they have a great performance. This section is getting tougher and tougher. It's going to come down to who has the best performance of the day. As for Jazz I think YME will take it and be a top 3 state finisher. LQPV-DB has had a great year beating all teams except YME at least once. 2nd and 3rd could go to anyone BOLD, LQPV-DB, RCW, TMB or even Lakeview if they have a great day. agian its going to come down to the cleanest routines of the day. Class A state is going to be a great show this season with so many great routines and great teams. I think class A gets passed up by alot of people but they put on a great show!!!!
ReplyDeleteAre you doing a live feed again at for both 1AAA & 3AAA? Will be anxiously awaiting results!
ReplyDeleteInterested to see what Burnsville will bring to the table in kick, seeing as they have not competed in kick since December. Also, I would not be surprised if we saw a new face in the 1AAA jazz division as Apple Valley, Lakeville South, and Prior Lake all have been doing well at recent competitions.
ReplyDeleteCould someone please record the award ceremonies, especially if you are attending 1AA. I feel like that section will have some of the best reactions, especially the 3rd place announcements for both. Its just too close to call!
ReplyDelete1AA is CRAZY! What is the MSHSL thinking putting all those teams together?!
ReplyDeleteI think that is a general thought within the Dance Team community.
DeleteSame with 2 AAA for years.....its so wrong!
DeleteI know! Can you believe that Chaska went from the 2AAA to the 1AA section. Somnething has to be done about these crazy off balance sections.
DeleteIn 2AA Concordia Academy could also be a contender for the 3rd spot. Don't be fooled with what they brought to Moundsview.
ReplyDeleteI disagree. The 3rd spot will most likely be Hill Murray or Chisago Lakes, Concordia Academy hasn't beat very many teams from their section all season.
DeleteI agree. Section 3A is going to be a great competition. YME and LQPV-DB will battle it out for 1st in kick. They have both beat each other once. They are both wanting a medal at state. I think YME, LQPV-DB, Aitkin and Cannon falls are all going to be battling it out for those top 3 spots. Its anyones game. The 3rd spot in kick is wide open to whoever has the best day. As for jazz I think YME has the 1st spot and I agree they definetely have a shot for a top spot in the state. It will be interesting since them, Aitkin, and Duluth Marshall have not met up yet this year. The top 3 spots at state could go any way. The 2nd and 3rd spots in jazz in that section are up for grabs as well. LQPV-DB could very well make their 1st jazz appearance. Its going to be a very exciting day. Class A is going to be a great showdown at state this year. The top 3 spots in both kick and jazz are up for grabs for anyones taking. I think even YME or LQPV-DB could sneak up into those top 2 spots.
ReplyDeleteIf LQPV-DB dances like they danced at West Central Conference in Jazz they could possibly beat YME in jazz.
DeleteI totally disagree with you. Yes, lqpv has a great team but I don't think its enough to beat yme.
DeleteYME's Jazz is beautiful, breathtaking, and moving...at sections, the gym was so quiet while the team was dancing except for occasional cheers when they executed something well...I love watching people's faces during their dance...
DeleteLQPV has a great chance on making it into finals in jazz! I have only been able to make it to one competition this year, so I've only seen LQPV and YME. They both have great dances! Can't wait for tomorrow and see all the teams.
DeleteWith South Saint Paul beating Simley & Austin at the Simley Invite(in BOTH)and taking first in Jazz(at Moundsview)beating out Mound Westonka(who previously edged Simley at the Totino invite)- my guess is it will probably happen again. I would not count them out!
ReplyDeleteThey have a strong Senior class, they have been dancing with the same group of girls for about 3 years... give or take one/two dancers.
Hey I'm glad someone mentioned South St. Paul.. My hometown. I think they are are definately in the conversation.. Good luck to all.
DeleteLIKE
DeleteAgree!!! It's way too early to count out SSP! They are coming out strong, and within the past few weeks have totally proven to be on the list of potential state contenders! After all within the past four years they have made three trips to state in the jazz division of competition, and made it to the finals in 2010. I think it's fair to say that this particular section is stacked with talent! It will certainly be a day to remember! It's unfortunate you have not been able to see first hand the amazing level of competition that SSP brings to the table!
ReplyDeleteHearing the rumors though the "alumni world", Burnsville is taking kind of a risk with their new routine (if the rumors I hear are true). They have an original idea, and if it is done right, has a chance to be a very successful dance, but it is a gamble.
ReplyDeleteIt all comes down to execution. One false move can break the dance.
DeleteHoping the teams in 1AA can realize that not making it to State does not mean the season has been a failure. This section is so crammed with talent that some great teams will be left out. Some top teams will not make it, and that does NOT mean they are not State worthy, or not a good team. This does happen in other sports often were top teams don't make it to State due to their difficult section. It is unfortunate, but everyone in the dance world knows that 7 or more of the teams in this section are fantastic!!
ReplyDeleteI agree with the earlier posters about Section 3A and about Class A in general. I will start by admitting that my daughter is a YME captain and because of my obvious bias you should take everything I say with a big grain of salt. Or just ignore this post if you wish.
ReplyDeleteCompetition and competence in Class A has improved dramatically in the 6 years I have been following Dance Team closely. My daughter was on the YME kick team that won state in 2008 and that routine, while very good, might not have even made finals this year. Class A teams do a lot with a little. Without large enrollments they often have to dip into the 7th and 8th grades to fill out their rosters. They don't have the senior and junior dominated teams the larger schools have, with the accompanying leadership and experience. Yet they present well executed, exciting dances and I know for a fact that many class 2AA and 3AA dancers and coaches watch them closely at state with great interest and respect.
In Section 3A, with which I am most familiar, recent improvement has been very noticeable. Teams such as TMB, RCW, Canby-Minneota and others, having great civic pride in their communities and tremendous school school spirit, have really upped their game, looking to rise to the level of traditional section powers YME, LQPV-DB and BOLD. I think it bodes well for the future of Dance Team in Minnesota to see such effort put into improving performance and developing young dancers. I see so many young girls at competitions who so obviously look up to the dancers with awe and dreams of being just like them. This is such a healthy environment for aspiring young female athletes.
In Section 3A jazz, in my biased but always humble opinion, I see YME coming out on top with LQPV-DB having the inside track for 2nd and TMB, RCW and BOLD fighting it out for the last state slot. I think the reason YME's jazz hasn't been defeated yet this year is their scores in choreography, creativity and overall use of music. If all teams are equal in clean execution this is what usually puts YME over the top. The possibility of watching them, Duluth Marshall and Aitkin duke it out for medal position at state should be great, if nervous, fun.
In kick it's anyone's guess between YME and LQPV-DB. Depends on who has the better day. Third will be a shootout between TMB, RCW, BOLD and maybe even Canby-Minneota, who has had the most obvious improvement over last year.
All in all I am excited to see who makes the cut for state, especially in Section 1AA which should be a grueling barn burner, with several deserving teams staying home next weekend. Putting both former 3AAA teams, Faribault and Chaska into that section must have been such a shock to teams such as Benilde-St Margarets, Austin, S. St. Paul and Holy Angels not to mention the other teams trying to improve enough to get to state. Maybe something can be done in the future to distribute the teams more evenly among the 2AA sections.
To be honest if my daughter wasn't involved I would be the most unlikely person to ever become interested in High School Dance Team. However after several years of wearing earplugs and T shirts identifying my loyalties I have come to deeply appreciate all the incredibly hard work and devotion of these incredible athletes, who display such skill and talent with a spirit of sportsmanship and distinct grace. I'll vigorously debate anyone who says Dance Team isn't a real sport. Rather it is one of the most exciting.
Well enough of my ramblings. Enjoy the section meet of your choice tomorrow. If we are lucky maybe we will run into each other at the smoothie stand at Target Center.
Like :)
ReplyDeletedouble like! I will definitley be paying closer attention to the A and AA teams (I'm a AAA dance mom), and over the next week before I make the trip to Target Center, I will be visiting the MSHSL website and study the history of these classes and take some notes!
ReplyDeleteSection 1A could get thrown through a loop. Lake city is looking awesome this year and I think there may be an upset for third. Wabasha has been looking amazing all year long beating st Charles at every competition but 2. Well see. It will be very interesting.
ReplyDeleteI got a chance to see Lake city at the Eastview Competition. I thought they were very good. Class A state is going to be very interesting. how has Lake City done agianst Cannon Falls? I know LQPV-DB was very close to beating Cannon Falls in Marshall and YME Beat LQPV-DB at conference so its going to be anyones to win!! I know not a lot of people have seen Aitkin High Kick so that will be interesting to see how they fall into the mix. Is it State Yet???
DeleteAt HVL conference meet LC lost to cannon by 1 point and they have been right behind them All season long.
ReplyDelete1 ranking point not over all points..FYI.
DeleteSounds like A is going to be close this year.
ReplyDeleteWhat I have really noticed lately is that A actually has a lot to offer people. If you just want to sit and watch a dance competition that focuses solely on the talent of dancers, than watch an A competition. It seems to me that the other classes, especially AAA, focus on the theme too much. It is less about the actual dance and more about who can come up with the more original idea. Not too put any class down, or be bias towards A (I am actually a supporter of an AAA school) but it just seems that A does not get the recognition it deserves. I am actually excited to sit down and watch an A state kick tournament this year. I really feel like they will put on a better show than AA/AAA
ReplyDeleteDad of a AA dancer with sections tomorrow. Had a chance to see the reaction of Hopkins last weekend and was the best of high school sports for that team to qualify and the reaction of that team. Daughter knows a few on that team and was great to see them "break through" in an extremely tough section. Some very good teams left home from that section. As has been mentioned, the "luck of the draw" is very hard to see based on what is happening in 1AA. Hard to imagine some of those teams not making state as well. Hope all teams perform their best and can only hope that judging is consistent what is presented. As mentioned, not a bad year to not qualify from that section. Good luck to all and will be watching the results on this site. Sections and State tournment is some of the greatest competition no matter what the sport. Great job Erin and love the coverage!
ReplyDeleteLove the Class A representation! Such a great year for this Class growth! Coaching in Class A is very difficult with overlapping fall sports and I support all the coaches that make it happen !! Best of luck this sections weekend all!!
ReplyDeleteI've seen Chaska's dance and I can't find the crocodile! haha
ReplyDeleteI'm looking for Monticello to make some noise in 2AA in future years. They were only about 30 points away from conference powerhouse Rogers at the end of the season. A couple years ago they weren't within 100 points.
ReplyDelete