Champaign Central continued its strong start as a program by qualifying for state in its second straight season. Unity earned its ninth trip to the state finals, while St. Joseph-Ogden qualified for the eighth time and fourth straight year.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Members of the Champaign Central Dance team perform at the 2025 IHSA Competitive Dance State Finals. The Maroons return to state for another shot at a state title against the best squads in Class 2A.
CHAMPAIGN - Despite the looming threat of a major winter weather event, the performances went on as planned Saturday, and three area dance programs earned their place on the state stage. St. Joseph-Ogden, Unity and host Champaign Central all advanced from the IHSA Competitive Dance Sectional to the state finals, which will be held Friday at Grossinger Motor Arena in Bloomington. Competing in Class 2A, Champaign Central secured the final qualifying position by finishing sixth among 15 teams. The Maroons scored an 80.83 to narrowly edge Mascoutah’s 79.60, continuing a strong start for a program that has now qualified for state competition in both of its first two seasons. Washington claimed the sectional title with a 92.15, followed by Bradley-Bourbonnais (90.03), Triad (89.70), Dunlap (83.23) and Ottawa Township (82.47). In the Class 1A competition, Unity and St. Joseph-Ogden both punched their tickets to state. The Unity Rockettes placed third with an 83.93, finishing just ahead of the Spartans, who took fourth with an 81.20. Morton won the sectional championship with an 89.30, while Clinton finished second at 88.57. Eureka and Fieldcrest rounded out the top six qualifiers.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Members of the SJO Dance Team perform during Friday's prelims at Grossinger Motor Arena. The Spartans have qualified four consecutive years for state.
For Unity, the advancement marks the program’s ninth trip to the state finals at Grossinger Motor Arena. St. Joseph-Ogden will make its eighth overall appearance and its fourth consecutive trip to the state preliminary round. Several other area teams also competed at the Champaign sectional. Mahomet-Seymour placed seventh with a 75.07, Villa Grove finished ninth at 73.25, Oakwood was 13th with a 67.97 and Rantoul placed 14th with a score of 67.70. Preliminary competition for the advancing teams begins at 10:15 a.m. Friday. Admission is $17, with tickets available online through Ticketmaster. Fans may also watch live coverage of the state finals on the NFHS Network .
