The Minnesota Miss Dance Team Competition is a highly competitive high school dance competition that allows female and male dancers to showcase their skills and athleticism. Dancers from grades 7-12 are eligible to compete in their division; the only requirement is that you are a member of your high school dance team. Four dancers from BSM competed this past weekend: senior Molly Giertsen, junior Kali Kosek, and sophomores Luella Curry and Stella Blackwood.
This was senior Molly Giertsen’s third year competing as a soloist in the Miss Dance Team Competition. As a senior, she was placed into the “Miss” division. This category goes beyond just dancing; there is an interview, modeling, and skill portion. Practicing each week, Giertsen placed 9th in the interview portion as she increased the amount she practiced the closer the competition was. Throughout her three years, she has enjoyed this competition and has had some positive takeaways. “There is a lot more to dance than people realize. We have to be well-rounded humans, [as] being able to interact with people is so important,” Giertsen said.
Each dancer decides whether they want to compete in a solo, duet, or trio. Then, the dancer selects their song and either choreographs their own dance or works with a choreographer. The final piece is picking out a costume. With the workload of both preparing for the competition and practicing for the Fall Dance Team, it’s clear that these dancers are dedicated to improvement. “I wanted to grow as a dancer and just keep working to get better for the winter season,” junior Kali Kosek said.
Sophomore Stella Blackwood excelled in the competition, placing 7th overall in her division. According to Blackwood, the competition pushed her to improve. That dedication pushes them to improve and step outside their comfort zone. “It’s nice to put yourself out there and compete as a soloist and to try something new,” Blackwood said.
Overall this opportunity to compete gives an outlet to dancers who want extra practice, recognition, and the ability to compete before the official dance season starts. The talent showcased at this event was incredible, representing many schools across Minnesota. 58 dancers from various schools competed in the Miss category, and many others participated in the other divisions. “It is a really cool way to highlight all the amazing dancers in Minnesota that maybe don’t always get recognition,” Giersten said.