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Sunday’s program at high school gym brings season to a close
After a slew of halftime performances, a handful of competitions and one memorable trip to Minneapolis, the high school dance season comes to a grand conclusion Sunday.
That’s when the Ely dancers - nine participants, a manager and two coaches - host the team’s annual season- ending program.
The event is set for 2 p.m. at the high school gymnasium, and though no admission is charged, donations are being accepted to help support the program, which is largely self-funded.
Over the course of the last few months, the team has performed at halftime of basketball games and took part in competitive meets for a third straight year.
The group finished first for both of their routines in a meet at Spring Lake Park and also traveled to Detroit Lakes and Ramsey during the winter.
Because of scheduling conflicts, the team did not go to a section competition, which was held more than 250 miles away in Hawley, located just outside of Moorhead.
And just over two weeks ago, the dancers were on the floor at Target Center, performing just prior to a Minnesota Timberwolves game.
“The Timber wolves reached out to us, and we chatted with a manager and figured out a game that worked with our schedule,” said head coach Desirae Smith. “Along with the community, we were able to fundraise, and able to raise money to make it a fun team event. It was a whole team and community effort.”
But before the dancers call it a season, there’s one more show this weekend.
Sunday’s program includes eight different dances.
“It will be a mix of routines that we’ve done throughout the year including our two competitive routines with high kick and jazz,” said Smith. “And some new routines that we’ve helped choreograph and a new dance that no one has seen yet. The girls are so excited to perform. They’ve had a great season and they’re really excited to end with a fun show and to be able to celebrate the season with each other and family and friends.”
Led by Smith and assistant coach, the dance team is young, with only three participants in 10th grade or above.
The veterans of the group are juniors Ella Perish and Izzy Chick, while Madison Jonas is the team’s only sophomore.
The freshman group includes dancers Brooklyn Sherman, Avery Brandau and Kylee Zobitz, along with manager Jordan Borchert.
The team also includes seventh-graders Jessi Zobitz, Evelyn Moran and Natalie Bermel.
The group has honed their routines and tuned up at practice in anticipation of the weekend show and in hopes of a good turnout Sunday.
“I would like people to see just all of the hard work that the girls have put in for the whole season and to see how they’ve grown, and to see the passion they have for dancing and sharing that with others.
