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Wolves dance team sets and achieves goals at state contest
Winfield-Mt. Union Dance Team earns historic fifth-place finish at state competition
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
WINFIELD — With synchronized steps, graceful turns, and a sassy jazz routine, the Winfield-Mt. Union High School dance team leaped into the school’s history books. Competing at the Iowa State Dance Team Competition held Dec. 4-6 at Wells Fargo Arena and Hy-Vee Hall in Des Moines, the Wolves secured a fifth-place finish in the Class 1 Jazz category — their highest placement ever.
The competition drew over 900 teams statewide, making the Wolves’ achievement in their division, which featured nine schools, an extraordinary accomplishment. The team also earned a Division I rating, awarded to routines scoring 80 or higher out of a possible 100 points.
“It is a complete honor. We were ecstatic,” coach Mekenzie Edwards said. “We set a goal this year to place, and we achieved it. It felt awesome.”
The road to state was paved with hard work and determination. Edwards, now in her third year coaching the team, emphasized the dancers’ dedication and the effort they poured into perfecting their routine.
“I told them, ‘You’re going to be singing this song in your sleep,’” Edwards said. “We practiced this routine so many times.”
According to Edwards, dance team practices often started early in the morning or stretched into late nights, and the team even utilized a local dance studio to rehearse in front of mirrors to perfect their techniques.
The team performed a jazz routine to Sabrina Carpenter’s Read Your Mind, which Edwards described as “sassy and fun.” The choreography showcased their technical skills, personality, and flair — qualities that judges look for at the state level.
This year’s success built on the team’s reentry into the state competition last year after a five-years without the wolves making it to this level. With a year of experience and deeper insights into what judges expect, Edwards was better prepared to guide the team to a well-earned fifth-place finish.
“I think last year, we didn’t really know what to expect,” Edwards said. “This year, I knew better what the judges were looking for and where we could improve. The girls worked so hard to meet those standards.”
Edwards explained how the dancers’ bond was another key factor in their success. To create a top-scoring routine, every team member played an integral role.
“In dance, you realize quickly how much the team needs you,” Edwards said. “Missing a practice or even part of a rehearsal can really affect everyone. This group was dedicated to being there for each other and pushing through together.”
That commitment shone through in the moments leading up to the announcement of their placement at state. As their team’s name was called for fifth place, the dancers erupted in excitement.
Edwards said the sight of their joy was a proud moment for her.
“Seeing how badly they wanted this and how excited they were when they achieved it, I got choked up,” she shared.
Back home, the Winfield-Mt. Union community shared in the team’s excitement. The school hosted a watch party in the gym, streaming the state competition live so students, families, and friends could cheer on the dancers together.
“The support from the school and community was incredible,” Edwards said. “There are so many places where dance teams don’t get much recognition, but Winfield does such a great job of supporting us. We couldn’t ask for better.”
The enthusiasm was mutual, as community members celebrated the team’s milestone achievement alongside the dancers. Edwards said the support was a reminder of how special the program is to the school and the town.
Since returning from Des Moines, the team has continued to revel in their accomplishment. Edwards said the dancers took hundreds of pictures with their new trophy, which will soon take its place in the school’s trophy case. The team is also planning a Christmas party to cap off the season with a well-deserved celebration.
For Edwards, the memories of this season extend far beyond the hardware.
“I’m so glad I got to experience this with this group of girls,” she said. “They showed up, worked hard, and wanted this just as much as I did. I hope they’re proud of themselves because they earned it.”
As the team looks forward to future competitions, Edwards hopes this year’s success will inspire even greater goals. With a strong foundation of talent, teamwork, and community support, the Winfield-Mt. Union dance team is poised to continue their trend of exceptional performances.
Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com
