Competitive dance is a relatively new IHSA sport, in just its third year of competition, but each year Hinsdale South has been among the state’s best.
That trend continued over the weekend as the Hornets took 13th out of 30 Class 2A teams in the IHSA Finals at Illinois State’s U.S. Cellular Coliseum in Bloomington.
More Top Picks Red Light Therapy
“We’ve been at the IHSA state meet for all three years,” Hinsdale South coach Courtney Gillette said. “As for our expectation, the IHSA meet has proven to be awfully unpredictable, so I’m just happy that the girls went out there and did their best.”
While the state finals are new, competitive dance has a long history in Illinois, dating back more than 30 years, according to Gillette. The Hornets compete in tournaments throughout the school year, including the statewide Team Dance Illinois, which has six categories.
The IHSA has just one form and all styles compete against each other. Hinsdale South used an Americana theme that focused on patriotism.
The varsity team captains are Kelley Sunde, Alexis Ardovitch and Hannah Nodus. Other members are Gianna Vanchieri, Natalie Garino, Erica Caruso, Madison Gaceta, Kailey McGinness, Mia Pique, Natalie Roti, Meghan Ida, Dakota Dapkus, Megan O’Malley, Emily Albert, Nikki Webster, Tessa Webster, Sara Cepeda, Skyler Invie and Bridget Sullivan.
Geneva won the 2A title with 93.8 points.
Friars make debut
Fenwick advanced to the state finals for the first time and finished 25th.
“We just wanted to try it and we ended up qualifying for state, which is great for our school,” Friars coach Nicole Dodaro said. “I think the girls were a little bit anxious and nervous because the atmosphere at the stadium was intimidating. The judges were right in front of you and there’s cameras pointed right at you, which is different from what we’re used to. But the girls did a great job
As part of Fenwick’s theme of a three-ring circus, the girls formed a lion with their poms and simulated walking on a tightrope walk during a lift.
The Friars included Chloee Batllo, Hanna Batlo, Francesca Bell, Jillian Coffey, Bridget Corcoran, Giselle Dimailig, Margaret Frumkin, Madeline Kent, Doria Keys, Lia Larson, Brianna Lucas, Kearney McTigue, Anna Milleker, Kathryn Morrissey, Annie Perez, Emily Potts, Nora Reidy, Elizabeth Schmid, Sabrina Tartaglia, Dana Testa, Ellen Tieke, Ana Tisa, Molly Walsh, Natalia Wright, Rachel Davis, Kaitlin Ratcliff, Colleen Corcoran and Marianna Kania.