BGM Bears Dance Team earns top honors, third in show production at ISDTA State Championships

     Pictured are members of the BGM Bears Show Production Dance Team, from left, front row: Megan Hanlon, Olivia DeGeeter, Jeryn Kalinay, Ava Secora, Alison Hildebrand, Lily Kriegel, Karissa Heishman, Bryanna Timm, Abby Slater, Mashayla Doty, Carli Kriegel, Sophie Puls and Hailey Heishman. The team finished third at the ISDTA State Championships, Dec. 1.

​By J.O. Parker
 
       The BGM Bears Dance Teams and Soloists recently participated in the 2022 Iowa State Dance Team (ISDTA) State Championships (46th annual), bringing home Division 1 ratings in each class, including a third place finish in the Show Production Class.
     The Bears performed in four team categories: Hip Hop, Jazz, Novelty and Show Production classes. In addition to the four teams, BGM took five soloists to state solo competition.
       The Iowa State Dance & Drill Team Association’s Iowa High School and College State Dance Team Championship was held Dec. 1, 2 and 3 at the Wells Fargo Arena and Hy-Vee Hall in Des Moines. BGM performed all routines on the first day of the competition.
     Teams are divided into classes based on school enrollment. They are evaluated and judged by industry professionals from all corners of the United States.
Photos provided by Amber Heishman.   

​     BGM Bears Dance Soloists competing at the ISDTA State Championships are, from left: Megan Hanlon, Olivia DeGeeter, Bryanna Timm, Sophia Puls and Hailey Heishman. 

​      Members of the BGM Bears Hip Hop Class Dance Team are, from left, front row: Bryanna Timm, Megan Hanlon, Mashayla Doty. Back row: Hailey Heishman, Sophia Puls, Olivia DeGeeter, Abby Slater, Jeryn Kalinay, Ava Secora and Lily Kriegel.

     Members of the BGM Bears, Jazz Class Dance Team are, from left, front row: Bryanna Timm, Megan Hanlon, Mashayla Doty. Back row: Hailey Heishman, Sophia Puls, Olivia DeGeeter, Allison Hildebrand, Jeryn Kalinay, Ava Secora and Lily Kriegel.

​      Members of the BGM Bears Novelty Class Dance Team are, from left, front row: Hailey Heishman, Bryanna Timm, Megan Hanlon, Mashayla Doty, Carli Kriegel. Back row: Sophia Puls, Olivia DeGeeter, Karissa Heishman, Allison Hildebrand, Abby Slater, Jeryn Kalinay, Ava Secora and Lily Kriegel.