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)

MADT Meeting and Student Convention 2011

This past Saturday the MADT hosted their semi-annual meeting and student convention at Chaska High School.  The convention was an exciting day for students to get a chance to meet other dancers from across MN and take some focused classes to improve their skills. Master class instructor Brandon Bryant (So You Think You Can Dance) was a huge hit, also doing a cameo as the elite jazz instructor.  Check out the pictures of the day below!

The coaches meeting passed 5 proposals which will now be brought forward to the appropriate MSHSL channels for passage.  They were on the following topics:  Judges recap sheets (2 items), scheduling of judges for section meets, scoresheet organization, and how section meets will be organized in a style known as "section finals".  Please see MADT's website or contact the board for further information on proposals.  (This information was edited on 11/8 by request of the MADT board)

Overall it was a great day for MN dance teams - first competitions are in 2 weeks!  

Technique Class - working on a leg hold turn:

 More main gym:

 Cleaning dances class with Megan Hutton:

 Learning in the sun!

 Working those hip flexors:

 Strike a pose in the elite jazz:

Friday News and Updates

We have a busy weekend coming up in the world of dance team - be sure to attend these events!

Saturday: MADT coaches meeting will be held 9-12 at Chaska High School for members.  You can still join MADT as a coach, associate coach, or former coach.  Membership is $53 and you can still sign up until November 20th - fill out the registration form on the MADT website or drop in at the start of the meeting to sign up.  There are also numerous section meetings going on in the afternoon for coaches to plan for end of season events.  Professional development with Dr. Moser will also be going on in the afternoon. 

Saturday: MADT Student Convention - also at Chaska High School.  Registration is closed, but here is the schedule.  Should be an exciting day - we'll have pictures up from the event soon. 

Coming up:  Don't forget to register for invitationals ASAP, especially for December.  Many event are still looking for more teams.  The deadline for the first invites of the year on the 19th are this Saturday!  Rules meetings online for MSHSL must be completed by Tuesday, Nov. 8th 

It's Here! Winter Season Begins All Around Minnesota

Today is the day all across Minnesota!  Dancers are bringing their winter practice gear with them to school today and many teams will be starting their winter season tryouts or digging into new dances all afternoon.  MN HS Dance Team Online has been busy getting ready for the season to start and we have a helpful article to share from Dance Teacher Magazine about a hot topic this time of year - dealing with disgruntled parents who are unhappy with their dancer's placement on a team/line.  For teams that have winter season tryouts this week it can be a stressful time for dancers hoping to get that top spot and for coaches who have to break some bad news to the few that don't get it.  Dance Teacher has some tactful and professional recommendations for dealing with the tough issues. 

Check out the article here: Dance Teacher Magazine

In other news, the MADT has opened its website for invitational registrations.  Don't forget to sign up for your planned events early to ensure you get in!  MADT only lists member events, for a complete listing - be sure to check out our COMPETITIONS and RESOURCES pages for links to teams websites and what day's they're hosting competitive events. 

For dancers - If you were packing your bag for winter dance and discovered that those beloved jazz Shoes have a hole in them - now is the time to order some new ones!  Lucky for you - MN HS Dance Team Online now has a teacher account at Discount Dance Supply!  There is a recommended gear list there if you need suggestions, and be sure to use our teacher code for a 10% discount on your order!  It's a one time use coupon, so stock up while you can.  Use teacher code: TP48303 online during checkout. 

Best of luck to all teams! Look for MN HS Dance Team Online at upcoming competitions! 

Key Dates for 2011-2012 Season:

Mark your calendars!  These dates will be upon us soon!  Especially remember the DX fall convention registrations are due ASAP - I'll be teaching at the event - I'd love to see you there!

Fall Season Begins: Monday August 15^th

Dance Xtreme Fall Connect Convention: Saturday, September 10^th – Totino Grace

Coaches/Officials Rules Meetings: October 17^th – November 8^th

Start of Winter Practices: Monday October 24^th

MADT Fall Meeting and Student Convention: Saturday November 5^th

Saturday Invitationals Start: November 19^th (Complete List Here)

Sections: Saturday February 4^th and Saturday February 11^th

State Tournament Forms Due: February 7^th

State Tournament: Jazz Friday, February 17^th, Kick Saturday, February 18^th

MADT Spring Meeting and Awards Banquet: Fri/Sat March 16th and 17th

Coaching changes create new opportunities in 2012

At the conclusion of every winter season there is speculation about who will be back and who will be making a change - with this year being no exception.  There were some big moves to report in all divisions.  Starting in class AA we had some long time coaches depart from top-performing Academy of Holy Angels in Richfield.  They have replaced their entire coaching staff after the resignation of Kelly Newlin and Kerry Marshall*, with Marshall remaing on the MADT board of directors.  Their new coach is Brittany Fowler, a Totino Grace graduate who was a varsity assistant at Andover.  Fergus Falls, Orono, and Rocori will all look to have new coaches in AA.
*Corrected on 8/24, sorry Kerry! 

 In class A, state champions Cannon Falls saw the departure of their entire staff after 4 years in their current arrangement.  The varsity coaches Carrie Pommier, Erin (Hawkinson) Kruesi, and Amanda Hemmingson-Jager all drove the hour trek to Cannon and just couldn’t make the commitment anymore-handing the program over to Northfield grad and Marshall dance team coach, Madi Salisbury.  Also in class A, Lake City, Wabasha-Kellogg, and Lakeview will add new assistants to their existing programs. 

In AAA, Spring Lake Park took Jennifer Blaido away from the Burnsville program to be their new head coach – a logical choice for her since she is a north metro resident.  Burnsville in turn hired their varsity assistant Anna Lardy to be their head coach for 2012.  Park of Cottage Grove took on former Cannon Falls assistant Amanda Hemmingson-Jager as their new program head, and Duluth Denfeld, Edina, and St. Francis all also added new head coaches from their respective areas.  New AAA assistants will appear at Andover, Eagan, Chanhassen, and Roseville. 

When all the dust settles from the yearly changes it will be interesting to see the impact new coaching staff(s) will have on existing dynasties and programs with less of a successful history.  Time will tell how these changes will impact the competitive landscape, but I wish all the new coaches the best of luck in their new endeavors! 

Anyone else I missed?? Add comments below to share the new hires!