Grinnell Tigers Paws Dance Team earns top three honors at ISDTA State Championships

​       Members of the Grinnell Tigers Dance Team placed third place in Class VI Hip Hop, fourth place in Class IV Jazz and fifth place in Class X Pom at the 48th Annual Iowa State Dance Team Association (ISDTA) State Championships, Nov. 29 – Dec. 1. Dancers are, from left, front row: Sarah Ashing, Ellie Mintle, Lexie Gallagher, Brielle Sherman, Lily Schmidt. Back row: Mylee Sharp, Makenna Stahl, Judith Perez-Valentin, Piper Donohoe, Isabelle Holden, Brenna Sherman, Emma Shawler, Olivia Chandler and McCaeyla Snodgrass.

By J.O. Parker
 
     The Grinnell Tigers Dance Team recently participated in the 48th Annual Iowa State Dance Team Association (ISDTA) State Championships, bringing home Division 1 ratings and top five honors for a second straight year.
        The team placed third place in Class VI Hip Hop, fourth place in Class IV Jazz and fifth place in Class X Pom.
       The team was once again recognized with the Lois Turnage Community Service award for completing more than 100 hours of community service in the past year. The honor is named after the late Lois Turnage, who enjoyed a 31-year career a Pleasantville Elementary’s band and music teacher and the Pleasantville High School Dance Team coach. She was also the president of the ISDTA.
        The Grinnell Tigers Dance Team also received the distinguished academic achievement award for earning 3.5 – 4.0 GPA.
       “I am extremely proud of my team and their performances at State,” noted Sydney Bradford, the GHS Dance Team Coach. “They worked incredibly hard to perfect these routines from June through November. Their work ethic and dedication to their sport is unmatched." 
      The Iowa State Dance & Drill Team Association’s Iowa High School and College State Dance Team Championship was held Nov. 29 – Dec. 1 at the Wells Fargo Arena and Hy-Vee Hall in Des Moines. Grinnell performed all routines on the third day of the competition.
        More than 250 high school teams and a total of more than 5,000 dancers performed more than 600 routines throughout the three-day 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.
        “The Tiger Paws will now prepare to attend Nationals for the first time in school history in Orlando, Florida, Feb. 7 -12, where they will compete among some of the best high school dance team across the United States,” noted Coach Bradford.