Grinnell Tigers Dance Team earns four top honors at ISDTA State Championships

​      Members of the Grinnell Tigers Hip Hop Dance Team are, from left, front row: Jenna Mintle, Jenna Davenport, Sophia Tyler, Jaedyn Arment, Daria Kline. Back Row: Olivia Blankenfeld, Brielle Sherman, Bela Hoffman, Lily Schmidt, Josie Smith, Ellie Mintle and Sarah Ashing. The Hip Hop Dance Team earned a second place finish and division 1 rating at the competition.

​By J.O. Parker
 
      The Grinnell Tigers Dance Teams and Soloists recently participated in the 46th Annual Iowa State Dance Team (ISDTA) State Championships, bringing home Division 1 ratings and top state honors in four different classes including 6th place in Novelty, 5th place in Pom, and 2nd place in both Coed and Hip-Hop.
      “This year's 2nd place in hip-hop marks its highest placing to date,” noted dance instructor Molly Loftin.
     In addition to the four teams, Grinnell took eight soloists to state solo competition. Soloists were: Jenna Davenport, Sophia Tyler, Daria Kline, Jenna Mintle, Sarah Ashing, Bela Hoffman, Brielle Sherman, and Lily Schmidt. Jenna, Sophia, Daria, Jenna, Sarah, Bela, and Brielle all received division I ratings. 
     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. Grinnell performed all routines on the second 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. 

Grinnell Soloists - Bela Hoffman

Grinnell Soloist - Brielle Sherman

Grinnell Soloist - Daria Kline

Grinnell Soloist - Jenna Davenport

Grinnell Soloist - Jenna Mintle

Grinnell Soloist - Lily Schmidt

Grinnell Soloist - Sarah Ashing

Grinnell Soloist - Sophia Tyler

      Members of the Grinnell Tigers Coed Dance Team are, from left, front row: Jenna Mintle, Jenna Davenport, Sophia Tyler, Daria Kline, Jaedyn Arment. Middle Row: Olivia Blankenfeld, Brielle Sherman, Lily Schmidt, Sarah Ashing, Ellie Mintle, Bela Hoffman, Josie Smith. Back row: Will Dahlby-Albright, Gene Blalock, Oliver Louden, Julio Parmley, Alex Smith, Joshua Osbourne, Sam Simon, Cole Johnson, Calvin Jaworski, Will Doty and Brady Steward. The Coed Dance Team earned a second place finish and division 1 rating at the competition.

​      Members of the Grinnell Tigers Novelty Dance Team are, from left, front row: Jaedyn Arment, Jenna Mintle, Jenna Davenport, Sophia Tyler, Daria Kline. Back row:  Olivia Blankenfeld, Brielle Sherman, Josie Smith, Lily Schmidt, Sarah Ashing, Bela Hoffman and Ellie Mintle. The Novelty Dance Team placed sixth, earning a Division 1 rating at the competition.