Grinnell Tigers Dance Team earns three top honors at ISDTA State Championships

The Grinnell Tigers dance teams and soloists recently participated in the 47th annual Iowa State Dance Team Association (ISDTA) State Championships. They brought home Division 1 ratings and top state honors in three different classes including third place in Class IV Hip Hop, third place in Class V Jazz and second place in Class IX Pom.

The team was also recognized with the Lois Turnage Community Service award for completing more than 100 hours of community service in the past year. The honor is named after the late Lois Turnage, who enjoyed a 31-year career a Pleasantville Elementary’s band and music teacher and the Pleasantville High School Dance Team coach. She was also the president of the ISDTA.

The Grinnell Tigers Dance Team also received the distinguished academic achievement award for earning 3.5 — 4.0 GPA.

In addition to the three teams, Grinnell took six soloists to state solo competition. Soloists were: Lily Schmidt, Sarah Ashing, Olivia Blankenfeld, Jenna Mintle, Brielle Sherman and Daria Kline, all who received Division 1 ratings.

“This was my first year coaching the Tiger Paws, and this team far exceeded my expectations,” said Sydney Bradford, the GHS Dance Team Coach. “Our goal this season was to place in the top three in each of our categories as this accomplishment has not been done before at Grinnell. These ladies worked extremely hard to achieve this goal; we learned our routines in the summer and have been preparing them for state for the past four months. So many hours of practice, preparation and commitment go into making our routines ready for state.

“Not only do they work hard but the team culture created this season is something that I am so proud of. These ladies support, encourage and uplift each other which I believe is one of the key elements to our success this season. I could not be prouder of this team and the outcome we received at state. They have made my first year of coaching an absolute joy and I cannot wait to continue the tradition of excellence the dance team has at Grinnell High School.”

The Iowa State Dance and Drill Team Association’s Iowa High School and College State Dance Team Championship was held Nov. 30 — Dec. 2 at the Wells Fargo Arena and Hy-Vee Hall in Des Moines. Grinnell performed all routines on the second day of the competition.

Teams are divided into classes based on school enrollment. They are evaluated and judged by industry professionals from all corners of the United States.