Montezuma dancer makes top 10

MONTEZUMA — A Montezuma High School senior and member of the dance team earned top 10 honors at a state qualifying solo dance event held Oct. 28 at Nevada High School.

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Lily Shoemaker, 17, the daughter of Jeff and Shelley Shoemaker of Montezuma, was one of two Montezuma seniors who performed at the qualifying event held under the direction of the Iowa State Dance and Drill Team Association.

Coral Lowry also performed at the event.

The two seniors were among 78 dancers from across the state who competed in Class 1 of 12 classes at the solo event.

Shoemaker performed a contemporary dance solo; she was judged on technic, showmanship and chorography.

“I was surprised (to make the top 10),” said Shoemaker. “I knew that I put in all the effort. It’s a high honor to qualify.”

As a solo performer, Shoemaker selected her music, costume and style. Her dance was set to the song, “Never Felt So Alone” by Labrinth.

Shoemaker will participate in the state dance competition at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines Nov. 30. She will learn how she placed at the solo event during the state competition.

Shoemaker finished third in the state as a sophomore and 11th in her junior year.

Shoemaker has been dancing since she was 4-years-old. She takes dance classes at Melinda’s Dance Studio in Williamsburg.

Her Montezuma High School dance team instructor is Macy Taylor Richards.

In addition to dance, Shoemaker participates in vocal music, cheer, speech and drama and the musical. Her most recent role was in the musical production of “Into the Woods” as Jack’s mother.

As for the future, Shoemaker plans to attend a 4-year college and study psychology with plans to become a forensic psychologist.

“That is my future plans, definitely something in the future,” she said.