We can. We will. We must. The BSM dance team is known for its competitive spirit, hard work, and discipline. As sections have wrapped up, their road to state has begun. In 2022, the team won state in the jazz category. How are they going to secure another win this year?
After winning state two years ago, the team was fueled by emotion. All year long the girls had worked hard, with their eye on the prize, and achieved it. Dance team members expressed their excitement and relief. “[It was] one of the best things ever,” senior captain Sloane Dokman said.
The following year did not go as planned. Ultimately, despite their hard work and efforts, the team came in second place. It was a battle well fought and in the end, the outcome hadn’t gone their way. Many feel there isn’t much they could have done differently. “We worked hard and got second place,” Dokman said.
This year the team is determined to win back that state title. The girls fill their days with three-hour-long practices where they are eager to learn, get better, and gain as much feedback as possible. They often look to one another for insight and look up to their coaches as role models. “We practice every single night and sometimes mornings, for many hours to get physically and mentally ready,” senior captain Hannah Blackwood said.
Something that the team believes will help them with their goal is their team camaraderie. Dance is a sport of group effort and determination. The environment they have built with one another is described to help build one another up and maintain that focus on their ultimate goal. “Our team is super fun, and we’re all super good friends. It’s a very close and supportive environment,” Blackwood said.
The leaders of the team help cultivate this environment. The underclassmen look up to their upperclassmen for inspiration and guidance. Their main focus is to lead by example and show the girls what it means to be a Red Knight. They do so with encouragement and holding each other accountable to perform to their highest potential. “I think the captains really helped us bring the entire team together and everyone has made new friendships which makes the team chemistry stronger,” freshman Daniella Johannson said.
As the season is coming to an end the girls are looking for the countless hours they have spent preparing to pay off. State is coming up beginning February 16th following into the 17th. The girls are eager to win. “We want to go out with a bang,” Blackwood said.