State week has finally arrived and teams from all across the state are busy packing their bags for the state tournament on Friday and Saturday at the Target Center. Now that results are back from the second weekend of the section tournaments, we’re ready to take a look at the state matchups. Lets dig in with the Jazz division first:
Jazz – Friday, February 17th 2012
Class A: This class is always a bit of a wild card each year with teams from the far reaches of the state not having gone head to head all season long. The biggest news here has been perennial finalist Aitkin unseating the 5 time state champs, Duluth Marshall, at the section tournament. Aitkin will certainly have the target on them as section champs from YME, Cannon Falls, and Pelican Rapids look to join the fray for a possible new champion. YME is rumored to be something special this year, and between them, Aitkin, and Duluth Marshall I see some battles coming up for the top 3. RCW, Mayer Lutheran, and LqPV are newcomers to the mix this time, with LacQuiParle Valley making its first ever jazz trip.
Class AA: The always strong AA jazz division is looking stacked again for state 2012, with even the teams from the 3rd section placement eying a spot in the finals. Chaska, Benilde St. Margarets, Totino Grace, Sartell, St. Cloud Cathedral, Mound Westonka, Marshall, and Simley are looking solid and ready to leave it all out on the floor. There will be some excellent jazz teams not making finals from this group for sure. Newcomers Fridley and Duluth Denfeld will add something fresh to the scene. Denfeld hasn’t qualified for the state tournament since 2002.
Class AAA: This division sees some familiar faces again as Wayzata, Eastview, and Maple Grove return from last year’s top 3. St. Cloud Tech is looking to join that mix with their rendition of “Stairway to Heaven” claiming them the section 4 championship. Eden Prairie, Spring Lake Park, and Lakeville North are some of my other “keep an eye on” teams. Spring Lake Park is dazzling in their emotional and touching jazz routine, the first to give me chills all year and not to be missed.
Kick – Saturday, February 18th 2012
Class A: The speculation is flying about this division as last year’s top 4 teams are back and haven’t seen each other much all season long. Aitkin and Cannon Falls missed having an annual meeting at the Alexandria invitational this year and will first glimpse each other at state prelims. Those two have gone 1,2 for the last 3 years- and often in dramatic fashion. (last year required a double tie breaker) YME and LqPV should bring something to the mix not to be underestimated while there will also be room for a Lake City or Pelican Rapids in there too. Mayer Lutheran will be first timers in this matchup and Dover hasn’t been around in a few seasons and will be excited to be back for sure.
Class AA: After the dust settled from the section 1 meet, all 3 of their qualifiers look to be tough competitors for top spots. AA newcomers Faribault and Chaska both took the top 2 spots in section 1, certain to shake up the podium in AA finals. Last year’s state champ Sartell is looking great and not going away quietly, while St. Cloud Cathedral, Totino Grace, Austin, and Marshall will seek to make some waves of their own. This division has the most potential for some surprises and “squeak in there” moments. I predict a challenge for spectators to choose which side to sit on during preliminaries. Hutchinson and Hill Murray will be the rookies to this scene after a break of a few years.
Class AAA: Section 1 is looking strong after sending back powerful teams from Eastview, Apple Valley, and Burnsville to the state floor. Burnsville missed its first ever state kick tournament last year and they sure haven’t forgotten. Their new kick dance features a color lined jacket that opens during the routine for visual effect. Eastview also joined in the special effects at sections, adding a light up skirt feature to their ending pose. Apple Valley is on to something that really works for them, oozing cuteness through those monster kicks. Brainerd is my dark horse in this mix, with solid technique and an eye for what works – they’re looking for some hardware this time around. Eden Prairie and St. Cloud Tech are also looking to join the hunt. Wayzata and Hopkins are newcomers to this year – with Hopkins never having qualified in kick before.
Good luck to our “new” teams, returning state champs, and everyone in-between! State 2012 is sure shaping up to be a classic, and not to be missed. MNHSDanceTeam.com will be there covering it all for you “live” via our instant feed. Get immediate results, pictures, trivia, interviews, background information, and commentary to enhance the state tournament experience. Easily viewed on mobile devices or while streaming the tournament online at channel 45. Look for upcoming surprises about the state tournament, along with all your facts and schedules, at your home for Minnesota Dance Team – MNHSDanceTeam.com! See you at State 2012!
There is a reason the University of Minnesota is at the top of the collegiate national Dance Team tournaments every year. It is because they get most of their dancers from Minnesota high schools. The talent and skill level of Minnesota high school dancers is among the best in the nation and many dance professionals consider the Minnesota State High School Tournament the best in the USA. All of us, the dancers, coaches, parents, friends and fans of Minnesota High School Dance Team are at the forefront of getting the world to notice that Dance Team is not only a real sport but is one of the best. Best of luck to all the coaches, dancers and their supporters this weekend and in the future. May the best whip kicks and fouettés win.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree. It would be interesting to see UDA teams compete with some of MSHSL jazz teams. As for kick, it wouldn't even be fair. Minnesota has hands down, without a doubt the BEST kick teams in the nation. I wonder if the other top college dance teams (Tennessee, Arizona, Florida) have all their kids from their home state like Minnesota does?
ReplyDeleteSeriously contemplating ditching my AAA fan section to watch AA for kick prelims. If not all of it, at least for Chaska. That dance is just too good to miss watching from the front. Kudos to the coaches and team for creating such an awesome dance.
ReplyDeleteI think this year, more than ever, it comes down to how well a team does on that given day. In each division, there is no definite winner. I feel like if a team does not perform as well in finals compared to prelims, there will be movement in places. Can't wait for the weekend!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree. Its going to be a battle to the end. I am really rooting for a new Class A jazz champion and it sounds like this could be the year with Aitkin beating Duluth Marshall and YME's amazing dance. I am rooting for some new kick teams in the top 2 in class A too. YME and LQPV-DB are looking really good and I think this could be the year one or both of them could break into the top 2 as well. Its going to be a great state tournament this year. Good luck to all the teams!!
DeleteI am predicting Aitkin sweeping state, with YME taking second in both. Going to be interesting to watch. Good luck to everyone this weekend.
DeleteI don't think YME's jazz will do as well as everyone thinks at State. Its a very clean dance but I think everyone else's dance has more difficult. Class A is going to be fun to watch! Good Luck to all teams!
DeleteI disagree, yme jazz has a lot of difficulty and they execute everything with grace and ease while some teams have difficulty but they don't execute it correctly and it looks forced. The choregraphy is amazing.
DeleteI think it's going to be anyone game this weekend and pretty hard to predict that any team is going to "sweep state" since many of the teams haven't competed against each other. Cannon's HK and LQPV HK are both great dances...haven't seen Aitkin or Lake City, or most of the rest of the top 12, so it will be interesting...I guess we will have to wait and see....
DeleteI feel A jazz is going to be a toss up. You have Duluth Marshall, Aitkin and YME who always place well, then you throw in Pelican Rapids and Frazee from up north, along with Cannon Falls who is always right up there and then first timers LQPV who has been right up there with YME all season...going to be a fun one!
DeleteI actually do not agree with the original comment. I can only speak from a AA or AAA viewpoint (sorry I am not as familiar with A). While I always think it is based off of how each team dances that day, there have been front runners that have emerged and are likely winners. In AA (kick) It is between Chaska and Sartell, but I think Chaska is very likely to come out ahead; probably one of the best kick dances I have ever seen. In AAA (kick) Eastview is the very clear front runner. They have cleanliness, formations and choreography that other teams are a little behind in. In AA (jazz) Chaska is without question ahead of the pack. They are just on another level as far as choreography, technique and difficulty. In AAA it is going to come down to Wayzata and Maple Grove. My bet is Wayzata, but I am rooting for MG. I think they have the best dance in AAA and they have flawless technique. But Wayzata has the skills that sometimes make you drop your jaw.
DeleteI think most people would agree with me? Just because there are front runners (in my opinion) does not mean the other teams are not amazing, because they are, without question.
It is going to be a good year of state competition.
To say that Eastview is the "very clear" front runner in AAA kick is a very bold statement with so many talented teams in that division. It's more appropriate to say "one of" the front runners. Yes, Eastview is clean and has clever choreography, but there are teams with routines that are more difficult. You don't know on any given day what exactly the judges are looking for. It's quite possible they could give the nod to a team with a routine that is danced cleanly but with more difficulty than Eastview's. Good luck to all of the teams! Looking forward to an exciting weekend.
DeleteI foresee the teams from section 1AAA doing some damage in the kick division. All of those dances are going to be insanely good once they are all spotless and ready for the state floor.
ReplyDeleteYou should consider making a #hashtag for twitter users to discuss on twitter during the tournament.
ReplyDeleteI would also love a twitter hashtag perhaps #mshsl2012dance ??
ReplyDeleteYES YES YES! Hashtag for twitter pleaseee!
ReplyDeleteAny team on any given day can win. These teams have already "won" just by getting to State. Regardless of what your opinion is remember this weekend is not for parents, fans, or even coaches, because it's all about the kids. Let's hope they have a lot of fun and dance their personal best. They will remember these times all of their lives.
ReplyDeleteWell said Marion. I agree. State is a special time for all the girls and there can only be one winner - but that doesn't mean someone is "losing" then. The talent and ability in this state speaks for itself. Some of my favorite dances to re-watch are not state champions, and I'm sure there will be some of that this year. Have the time of your life this weekend dancers!
DeleteI finally got with it and added twitter for this weekend's tournament. I am at @mnhsdanceteam and I'll be watching the hashtag #mnhsdtstate and of course you can tweet john millea with the MSHSL reporting team @MSHSLJohn .....Don't forget you can message me (privately) on the live feed too. I see it right away and often send private replies, answer questions to the whole group on the feed, or repost your comment if it's appropriate for all to see.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry I'm not familiar with the live feed. How do I message on it?
DeleteI will definitely be on twitter and following you!
The live feed is on the main page right now for Jazz, and tomorrow for kick. If you click on the box when it's "live" you can view it on mobile devices or as a free standing box while watching online. No need to refresh, it will show new messages automatically. There are polls you can vote in (trivia) and pictures, instant updates, and whatever else you might want to know about from the tournament. It also replays right after the event so you can scroll and read whatever and whenever you'd like. While it's live and I'm there - you can click on the comment box at the bottom of the feed and send something in to me. It only goes to me, not the viewers (unless I repost it for some reason).
DeleteIf you are going to make comments about other teams you should have to put your name on it. Predicting winners and saying this team or that team is going to win is very disrespectful to all teams competing. ANY team can win on ANY given day. It is not about how you did all year or last week it is how you present yourself on that day. I wish all the teams, coaches and fans good luck this weekend and may you have that best performance that we all are wishing for.
ReplyDeleteI previously made the comment about who I believe are the front runners.
ReplyDeleteI do believe that there are so many amazing teams in MN, all the teams at state have the right to be extremely proud. They all worked extremely hard. I am sorry if my comment was not taken in the nature in which it was indented, I certainly do not want to offend any team, as I have a great deal of respect for all of them.
I was making a prediction based on watching the dances, understanding the score sheet (for the most part), and following all the results. That's all. Nothing more. I would never claim that that other teams are not deserving, because they certainly are.
Just because I feel like there are front runners (which every sport has going into a competition) it does mean that all of them are my personal favorites. One of my personal favorite kick dances belongs to EP. It is without question a completely adorable routine and it is probably the most difficult kick routine in AAA. Great concept and there are moments that just make me smiles because there is a little humor in it. I always entertained when I watch them! And Tech in jazz gives me the chills every time! I love how they went out of their usually style and went for something that they really believe in. It is beautifully choreographed. While I do not predict they will take the top spot in jazz does not make me like it any less. I am actually not even a fan of one of the dances I think will take the top spot. I think they are amazing group of dancers, but not my favorite dance.
I am only me, someone who continues to love and follow dance. I am HUGE supporter of this sport. I certainly know that it always comes down to the day and who does what that day. There are always surprises, and I do not always call it right. These are all just my opinions. I do the same thing when I watch football or hockey, make predictions. If these teams achieved their goals, regardless of the place they take, then they are successful. I was just looking at from a sports perspective. Again, no offence was intended.
I know this is a long comment, but I would never want anyone going into state to feel anything less that proud, confident and ready to dance their best performances at the hand of my words. I wish all the teams luck this weekend.
-Heather
Erin, Please feel free to remove my comment as I never intented to offend anyone and would not want to do that going forward.
ReplyDelete-Heather
I wouldn't worry about it too much guys. Thanks for being very respectful and polite.
DeleteI really only take down something (or never post it) if it's just a blast on someone "so and so stinks" or a random cheer "go bluejackets!" that doesn't have anything to add to the conversation. I also caution readers to say only what they would say to a dancer's face from that team and use respectful terms to address what is their pride and joy.
If you like a dance more than someone elses, and you make professional, logical points to support it - then by all means share your opinion. I stay out of an exact list of who I think will get what because I choose to, but its not inherently wrong either (this is strictly my opinion).
Next season I plan to work out a better way to sign your name to comments, but I don't want people to not share something meaningful and intelligent for fear of backlash either. Its a balance. One thing is for sure, you can't please everyone. I like it that we don't all agree on this site, that's also why there is a panel of judges and not just one. Keep sharing your thoughts and best wishes - Its a great step forward for our sport!
I think the big issue here is not the comments in general, who you like or whatever, but its more when you say this team is going to sweep state or this routine doesnt have any difficulty, or this team is better. If it isn't a positive comment keep it to yourself and if its something great about a team share it. There are a lot of dancers reading these comments.
ReplyDeleteI don't believe that anyone who is "predicting" means anything against any one else. My friends and I do our own "predicting" every year...I think its fun to see that others are just as passionate with the sport of dance as I have been for so many years. I don't always agree with the comments or Erin's picks, but I love that people give them...I love seeing my team's name among them and I love when Erin doesn't always pick my team...because I want to prove her wrong ;) Thank you Erin for your great site and for feeding my "unhealthy" obsession for this great sport!(and for helping the last 3 hours before leaving go by a little faster at work!) Best of luck to all teams! It is a great accomplishment to be at state! So proud to be one of them!!!
ReplyDeleteAGREED!!!
DeleteI agree with this whole-heartedly. The fact that people are predicting who will come out where just shows how big dance team is getting. The same thing happens in every other sport. People bet on brackets and who will win a certain game or match; me and my dad bet on college basketball brackets every year! It just means there's more and more people becoming passionate about dance team! Step in the right direction if you ask me :)
DeleteThe comment that I was talking about was the one that said my team was going to "sweep" state. This really upset me. I thought that was disrespectful to the other teams in our divisions. I was not talking about all of the other comments.
ReplyDeleteYou shouldn't be upset about it Lisa. You have a great team and have for many many years. You have a reputation for being a "great dance program" You have had a wonderful season. with your placements this season and your past winning history, I think you are predicted to sweep. If Dance had a Rating system like other sports I truely believe you would be rated #1 going into state. unfortunetly dance doesn't have a way to put a rating on teams going into state like basketball, football, wrestling. It isn't putting any other team down. It's going off the facts and the placements from the season. every team works very very hard and is as dedicated as the next, they are all going to be wonderful at state and should be very very proud of themselves for getting there.
DeleteWill I need cash to get into the Target Center? Or will I be able to pay with my card. The state tournament should really consider implementing a two day pass type of deal so people don't have to pay full price both days.
ReplyDeleteYou can pay with your card. It's like going into any event at the Target Center, you pay at the ticket booths. :)
ReplyDeleteI think it is human nature to speculate. We all have opinions, some impartial and some partisan. I have no problem hearing someone say that another team will beat my team. As Lisa Johnson said it just makes me want to prove them wrong. In the end it is all conjecture anyway, a fun way to pass the time opining on a sport we all love. The girls all know who the favorites are. They are under no illusions. Those with the "my team is great and everybody else sucks" comments are simply immature. I just ignore them. Most commenters are knowledgeable and constructive and I respect their opinions.
ReplyDeleteWhat I enjoy seeing are the small victories. I don't think RCW expects to medal in jazz. They know who has defeated them consistently this year and who the traditional powers are. But they are going to leave it all on the floor just like every other team. And they will always treasure the fact that they got to dance at state. Their meltdown for taking third at sections was a joy to behold. I don't think any of these girls have unrealistic goals. They just want to be proud of their efforts and those of their teammates.
When my daughter doesn't win a competition in 10 minutes she is joking with her friends and congratulating the victors. Why? Because she knows she has given her best and that's plenty good enough. I am thrilled that she has had the opportunity to participate in her sport at the highest level. The life lessons our girls learn competing are valuable and priceless. The benefits for all of them will enrich their lives long after the medals have been handed out. I have incredible respect and admiration for any girl with the fortitude to go out on that floor and dance in front of lots of people, knowing that some of them want her to succeed and many of them hope she won't succeed quite enough. They are all victorious.
All these girls as well as the coaches, parents, school districts and fans have worked hard at getting to this tournament. I don't know any of the competitors personally (since I have been out of high school for many many years), but I think that watching all of womens athletics in Minnesota grow to this level is wonderful! It also brings a sense of pride to watch young women from my high school achieve this level of accomplishment. Good luck to ALL the competitors at state this year! :)
ReplyDelete