The Shadow Ridge Competition Dance Team earned top placements at a recent competition held at Coronado High School, taking second place in the Pom category and fourth place in Hip Hop.
The team competed on Jan. 31, performing routines that showcased a variety of styles. The competition featured solo, duo and group divisions, highlighting the versatility and preparation of each dancer.
For junior Kenna Burns, the experience was unforgettable.
“The moments that stood out to me the most were the adrenaline rushes waiting to walk on stage to perform, as well as standing in position waiting for the music to start,” Burns said. “After hitting every step and hearing the crowd roar, the feeling of accomplishment filled my heart. I was especially proud of my teammates for sticking together and encouraging each other through all the pain, tiredness and stress.”
Shadow Ridge dance coach, Mrs. Snow, said one highlight of the day came during the Pom routine.
“My personal favorite moment in our Pom routine was when all the jump sections hit,” Snow said. “Watching all of that hard work pay off, the timing, the precision, the energy, there’s truly no better feeling than walking off the floor knowing the sections you spent hours on were executed beautifully.”
Although the Coronado competition marked an important milestone, the team quickly shifted its focus to the next event, scheduled for Feb. 28 at Centennial High School.
Burns said preparation continues even on her days off.
“On my days off, I go to the gym and practice my leaps, jumps and turns,” Burns said. “I also repeatedly go over the dances to master them in my memory. I take care of my body with massages, stretching and nutritious food.”
Competition season keeps the dancers on a demanding schedule as they balance academics, rehearsals and conditioning. The team practices nearly every day of the week, typically taking only one or two days off. Many dancers continue training independently to refine their technique and improve performance quality.
“We’ve been working hard since Coronado,” Snow said. “We definitely have goals for State, but more than anything, we want to see our scores improve and enjoy the experience of our first-ever competition season.”
With consistent practice and a strong sense of teamwork, the Shadow Ridge Competition Dance Team hopes its extra effort will translate into even stronger performances at upcoming competitions.
