Spartans dance in state competition

SYCAMORE – It was a song that never got old.

And one that now never will.

"The girls and I commented that the dance and song never got old to hear or perform to," coach Brooke Wright said. "It always put a smile on  our faces."

The song was "Hero" from the movie "Shrek."

As they had all season, the Sycamore High School Dance Team performed the song and dance routine at the annual Open Dance state meet two weeks ago in Peoria. Scoring 85 points, the Spartanettes finished fifth in the Open Dance Division A category.

This is the second time in three years the Sycamore squad has qualified for state. The first time was in 2007; last year, the girls just missed by¾ of a point.

To qualify, the Spartanettes had to take a first-place trophy in their division and type of dance, as well as score 80 points or higher.

Participating three times, Sycamore officially qualified in their second competition, which was held at Oswego High School.

Wright said the girls were taught the basic dance they performed at state back in November, which they made changes to each time they were critiqued by judges at competitions.

"The leaders and members worked together as a team to make up the dances and the changes," Wright said. "Mrs. (Kristin) Hill and I just oversaw the processs and gave suggestions as well as support when needed."

During their awards night last week, Wright singled out team members Atlee Mathews, Kayla McGehee, Jamie Works and Maggie Borchardt for choreographing the final routine.

"Atlee went over and beyond her duties as a leader this year while guiding the team to excellence," Wright said. "Atlee made sure to put the SHS Spartanettes first in her priorities, and it showed on and off the court."

Wright added that the dance showed off the talent of the team as well as all their individual members.

"I liked that many of the girls were spotlighted in the dance by showing a trick or skill that they had mastered," Wright said. "The song had lots of dance tempo changes that went along with the song. The music speed increased as the girls' energy did as well."

Members of the Spartanettes include: seniors Erica Friesen, Atlee Mathews and Jamie Works; juniors Margaret Borchardt, Chloe Lutsch, Kayla McGehee, Samantha Skyles and Brittany Stiles; sophomores Denise Dolder and Danielle Emmert; and freshmen Taylor Gross, Rebecca Guilke, Kylie Mapes, Jessica Scheffler and Taylor Watkins.

"The girls have a positive attitude and a bond that allows them to strive for their goals," Wright said. "The vision was State Spirit before competition season had even started. They strive for excellence – just as the SCUSD 427 would want them to do."

Although the competition isn't sanctioned by the Illinois High School Association, it is by Team Dance Illinois, which follows IHSA guidleines and rules.

The girls are the fourth SHS team to qualify for state this year. The others are the boys' bowling team, the cheerleading squad and the girls' bowling team. SHS also saw individuals qualify for state competition in wrestling and swimming.