The BSM Dance Team has always been a top program in Minnesota. They not only have 10 state titles but have the most Jazz state championships out of any Minnesota high school. On February 16th, the BSM dance team was able to make it to Jazz finals along with five other high schools. Even though they competed against schools they had lost to during the regular season, they were able to take first in the Jazz final, adding the 11th trophy to the shelf.
Throughout the season, the BSM dance team did not always come out on top. Other high schools performed competitive dances in both the Jazz and Kick categories at each competition. Without consistent wins, many dance team members had their doubts going into State. “I was a little unsure because in the regular competitions throughout the season we were consistently getting second place, but I had confidence in our team,” senior captain Sloane Dokman said.
As they compete in two different categories (Jazz and Kick), lots of preparation is crucial. Many days involved both morning and night practices throughout the entire season. “The prep in the beginning of the season was a little more laid back and we were just kind of getting in the swing of things. As the season progressed, we started taking things more seriously and we addressed our goals more,” junior dancer Ellie Shideman said.
Many factors contributed to the dance team’s accomplishments including the practices, music choice, costumes, routine, and more. The main factor that stood out was the team chemistry. The team spent hours together each day with their rigorous schedule which allowed them to both bond and improve their routine. “Our team culture played a big role in our success because that was super strong this season. It just made us dance so much more cohesively,” senior captain Hannah Blackwood said.
Our team culture played a big role in our success because that was super strong this season. It just made us dance so much more cohesively
— Hannah Blackwood
When the rankings took place, Orono High School was announced as the runners-up. As the Knightettes had lost to them throughout the season, this made the team and fans realize they might have come out on top. When the first place routine was announced as Benilde-St. Margaret’s, the fans and Knightettes jumped with excitement. Although the team did not have many seniors, this year’s win still meant a lot to each member. “It was nice to end off with a bang. It just proved that we could do it and even though we hadn’t been winning before, we didn’t let that get in our heads,” Dokman said.