The Benilde-St. Margaret’s Dance Team is heading back to the state tournament, hoping to defend its Jazz state title and become the champions in Kick. The Knighettes are led by their captains, Taylor Winegarner, Stella Blackwood, Daniela Johanson, Piper Roos, and Kali Kosek. They head into the state tournament with high expectations for themselves and are ready to showcase their skills in front of a big crowd of Red Knight fans at the Target Center.
The Knighettes finished in Class 2AA sections with first place in Jazz and second place in Kick. Similarly, last year at state, they came in first place in Jazz and second place in Kick. Looking to capture first place this year in both events, they are excited for the opportunity to continue their great season and have an extra week together as a team. “Our hard work at practice has paid off, and we’ve bonded as a team. I am excited to spend time with all my friends for one more week,” Johannson said.
The Dance Team has been successful year after year, with 11 appearances at state in the past 20 years. They dance year-round with their coaches putting hours of work in every week, in and outside of practice. The Knightettes are very grateful for all that their coaches do for them, and they are also all very dedicated to the team. “Our coaches definitely help us a lot, and they always know what to do to make us better, and we spend a lot of time practicing, and everyone’s really dedicated, inside and outside of practice,” junior Luella Curry said.
All of this goes into why the Knightettes have continued success, giving all their effort and filling the different roles and responsibilities. Their captains are very well respected by dancers on the team, and they show great sportsmanship and leadership skills. The team carries itself very highly, and each dancer holds each other accountable. All very excited and nervous, they hope their hard work will pay off and are ready to show the state what they are about. “I am so confident we’re so ready, and I’m so excited to do it one more time. I know all of our hard work this season will pay off,” Winegarner said.