Big weekend for dance teams as MADT hosts awards, all-state, and convention

This weekend Wayzata high school was alive and full of dance team off season action as dancers and coaches from all across the state gathered for the MADT awards weekend. The event kicked off on Friday night as the coaches gathered for the awards banquet in Plymouth. Coaches gathered for some non-competition down time and relaxation together, celebrating the season. There was a special presentation recognizing Jen Stumm, the Zumbrota Mazeppa coach who was a critical part in saving little baby Colton during the state meet. Colton is the son of Angela Burkhart-Bixby of the Fridley team. Many coaches were drying their eyes after such a touching tribute to the teamwork and sportsmanship of dance teams.

Fridley and Zumbrota come together for baby Colton

Other awards handed out during the night: Rookie of the Year: Jen Stumm, Zumbrota-Mazeppa. Assistant Coaches of the Year: Class A: Andrea Schoonover, Aitkin. Class AA: Tara Lindemeir, Chaska and Kelsey Keller, Sartell. Classs AAA: Alyse Iorio, Wayzata. Head Coach of the Year: Class A: Lisa Roth, Aitkin. Class AA: Kris Rydland, Chaska. Class AAA: Leslie Swiggum, Wayzata. Hall of Fame: Tami Seifert, Pelican Rapids. Sportsmanship Awards: Class A: Cannon Falls, Class AA: Fridley, Class AAA: Wayzata. Awards are voted on by ballot of the membership of MADT.

The night concluded with a great speaker and former Wayzata graduate, Kristen Patterson Terry, who has worked on numerous large group choreography events such as the Super Bowl, High School Musical, the Oscars, and Justin Bieber’s tour. (To name a few!) It was really fun to hear about putting together the latest super bowl production with Madonna. (So interesting to hear what stars are REALLY like) 

Watching Madonna's Halftime

Saturday was the MADT membership meeting and coach’s convention. No proposals were discussed or passed at the MADT meeting this cycle. The convention was a great chance for coaches to learn from some new instructors about techniques for effective training and coaching, and there was a new session with round table discussions about hot topics in dance that helped coaches share information and tips. 

As the convention was going on, the MADT all-state winners gathered in the gyms to perfect their dances by class and style for that night’s show. The number of schools represented and dancers in attendance hit an all time high as the still new format for the performance seems to be taking off in popularity. The crowds waiting outside sure had great weather for waiting for a change! The all state performances kicked off at 6:30 and the all state girls got one last chance to show us their stuff before they graduate or move on to next year! What a great finale to a fantastic dance team year! Congrats to this year’s winners and all state dancers.

All State Dancers

(have all-state pictures?  I forgot to take some! send them in to mnhsdanceteam@gmail.com)