Defending champ Lake Forest leads strong field at IHSA Competitive Dance State Finals

Members of the Lake Forest Varsity Blue Dance Team perform at the 2024 state dance competition. Lake Forest won the Class 2A title and look to win another this weekend in Bloomington.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

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BLOOMINGTON – The road to an IHSA Competitive Dance state title runs through Grossinger Motors Arena this weekend, where 30 Class 2A teams will battle for a coveted spot in Saturday’s finals. With nine of last year’s top 12 squads returning, the competition is stacked with experienced contenders looking to make their mark.

Defending champion Lake Forest enters its 10th consecutive state finals appearance with a history of success, including two first-place titles, a runner-up finish, and two third-place trophies since IHSA introduced the sport. The Scouts will look to hold off a strong field, including last year’s runner-up Lincoln-Way West, a program that has never missed a state final and boasts seven sectional titles along with two state trophies.

Geneva, another perennial power, returns after securing a state berth for the 12th time. The program has finished in the top three every time it has competed at state, amassing 11 trophies—five first-place, four second-place, and two third-place finishes.

Other returning teams looking to break through include Lake Zurich, Vernon Hills, Burlington Central, St. Charles North, Deerfield, and Grant. Notably, Jones, Lincoln-Way Central, and Crystal Lake Central were unable to advance out of sectionals.

The top 12 teams from Friday’s preliminary round will advance to Saturday’s finals, where a new state champion will be crowned.

Event Schedule and Ticket Information

The Class 2A competition kicks off Friday morning, with doors opening at 9:15 a.m. The first performance is set for 10:15 a.m., with the final routine scheduled for 2:21 p.m. The top teams from the preliminary round will advance to Saturday’s finals, with finalists announced at 2:40 p.m.

Fans traveling to watch the state’s best high school dance teams in action can purchase tickets for $12 per person. Digital tickets are available for purchase online or by calling the City Box Office at 309-434-2777.

Attendees should be aware that Grossinger Motors Arena enforces a clear bag policy. All bags, purses, and personal items will be subject to search upon entry. If an item is prohibited or too large, guests must return it to their vehicle or surrender it at the entrance, as the venue does not provide storage for oversized items.

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The field for the Class 1A Dance State Finals set, The state's top programs ready to showcase their talent

Joliet Catholic Academy dance team competes during the preliminary round at the 2024 IHSA Competitive State Dance Finals. The Angels return to state this weekend for another shot at an elusive state crown.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

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BLOOMINGTON — Thirty of Illinois’ top small-school dance programs will take center stage this Friday at Grossinger Motors Arena for the 2025 Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Competitive Dance State Finals. These elite teams earned their spots through five sectionals held across the state, and they now set their sights on bringing back a state trophy to their school.

With high energy, intense competition, and a legacy of excellence on the line, the 2025 IHSA Competitive Dance State Finals promise to deliver another thrilling chapter in Illinois high school dance history.

The road to Bloomington was anything but easy, with each sectional producing standout performances. Jacksonville and Highland took home sectional titles at St. Anthony High School in Effingham, while Morris edged out Providence Catholic and Joliet Catholic Academy to claim top honors at the Mahomet-Seymour sectional. Evergreen Park narrowly defeated Nazareth Academy at Maine East, posting an 85.17 to Nazareth’s 84.33. Montini secured its ticket to state with a razor-thin .73-point victory over Sycamore at the Sycamore sectional.

Members of the Morris Varsity Poms perform their show routine at the 2024 state finals prelims on the way to a second place trophy a day later at Grossinger Motor Arena.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

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Familiar Faces Return to the Finals

Fans attending this weekend’s competition will recognize several programs from last year’s Class 1A state finals, as all ten 2024 finalists are back in the mix. The list includes defending champion Jacksonville, as well as Morris, Providence Catholic, Carmel, Nazareth Academy, Marion, Sycamore, Highland, Clinton, Glenbard South, and St. Viator.

Last year, Jacksonville dazzled the judges with an expressive lyrical routine in the finals, overcoming an initial third-place finish in the preliminary round to secure its second consecutive state title with a score of 90.70. Morris, which finished as runner-up (89.96), will be looking to close the gap this year, while Carmel (89.44), Joliet Catholic Academy (89.01), and Providence Catholic (88.52) round out last year’s top five.

Dancers from Jacksonville perform during the Friday's prelim on last January. The J'ettes went on to win the Class 1A state title.

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Jacksonville’s J’ettes return with hopes of making it three straight championships. Their winning performance last year, set to a lyrical routine in flowing light taupe dancewear, captivated judges with its artistry and emotional depth. Morris, known for its powerful, athletic modern dance style, will try to breakthrough after back-to-back runner-up finishes. Carmel, which wowed fans with an energetic modern dance routine from their 13-member troupe last year, also returns to contend for the title.

A High-Stakes Competition Awaits

With a field packed with talented, seasoned programs, this year’s finals promise to be as competitive as ever. While perennial powerhouses Jacksonville and Morris enter as favorites, teams such as Joliet Catholic Academy, Providence Catholic, and Nazareth Academy have worked hard to improve to improve their precision, musicality, and overall execution, to finish in one of the top three spots.

Event Schedule and Ticket Information

The Class 1A competition kicks off Friday morning, with doors opening at 9:15 a.m. The first performance is set for 10:15 a.m., with the final routine scheduled for 2:21 p.m. The top teams from the preliminary round will advance to Saturday’s finals, with finalists announced at 2:40 p.m.

Providence Catholic dancers execute a stunt in their preliminary round performance. The Dancing Celtic return the state finals looking to improve on their 5th place finish in 2024.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Fans eager to witness the state’s best high school dance teams in action can purchase tickets for $12 per person. Digital tickets are available for purchase online or by calling the City Box Office at 309-434-2777.

Attendees should be aware that Grossinger Motors Arena enforces a clear bag policy. All bags, purses, and personal items will be subject to search upon entry. If an item is prohibited or too large, guests must return it to their vehicle or surrender it at the entrance, as the venue does not provide storage for oversized items.

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