The BSM Dance Team, also known as the Knightettes, concluded their magical season in the State Dance competition for Kick on Saturday, February 18. After winning the Jazz competition the night prior, the Knightettes had a lot of excitement and momentum prior to entering the Kick competition. “There was a lot of excitement because we had such a good day [on Friday]. Even though we won the night before, we wanted to show what else we could do,” senior captain Megan Benson said.

With a loaded AA class advancing to the Finals, it would be no easy task for the Knightettes. “In AA for Kick, there’s seven teams that could easily win the competition. There are so many great teams, which made it even more necessary to execute,” Benson said.

In the Prelims, the Knightettes did just that. They overcame the stiff competition and advanced to the Finals. This brought lots of joy, but also some sentimental emotions for the seniors. “It was really surreal knowing that this dance at the Target Center would be my last. I just tried to enjoy the moment and take it all in,” senior captain Cici Fortney said.

The Knightettes yet again produced another terrific dance. As the music concluded, and the Knightettes struck their final pose one last time, goosebumps ran through Benson’s body. “That instant was so surreal–as we walked off Cici and I had a long embrace–and she said to me, ‘We did it,’” Benson said.

After the performance, the results were calculated and the Knightettes, unfortunately, did not win. Sartell St- Stephen claimed the championship, and even though the outcome was not what Benson wanted, she recognized Sartell as the State’s best in Kick. “Sartell deserved to win. They have been so close year after year, and to finally see them have success is really wonderful,” Fortney added.

Regardless of the fact that the Knightettes didn’t win, it was still a remarkable season. The Knightettes once again proved that they are a State power. With a State Championship in Jazz and a Finals appearance in Kick under their belt, it will be exciting to see if the Knightettes can garner more State Championships in the future.