The Maroons are back at state for the second straight season as they take the floor in Bloomington on Friday afternoon in the hunt for a state title.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Members of the 2025 Central Dance Team perform during the preliminary round at the IHSA Competitive Dance State Finals. The Maroons will compete against 29 of the best Class 2A squads from around the state this weekend.
CHAMPAIGN - Champaign Central’s competitive dance program returns to the state stage Friday with both experience and opportunity on its side. With more experience and nearly 12 months of practice under their belts, the Maroons' dance squad hopes to establish themselves as the new kids on the block. The Maroons will compete in the preliminary round of the IHSA Competitive Dance State Finals at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington, looking to advance to Saturday’s Class 2A championship round after qualifying for state for the second consecutive season. Central finished 30th overall a year ago and enters this weekend aiming to break into the top 12 teams from a field of 30 qualifiers. The Class 2A landscape remains formidable, with seven of last year’s top 10 teams back in the mix. Defending champion Geneva, runner-up Burlington Central and third-place finisher Lake Zurich all return and are widely viewed as favorites to again occupy the podium. However, the absence of past contenders Benet Academy, St. Charles North and Libertyville has opened the door for programs like Champaign Central to climb higher in the standings. Central is scheduled to take the floor at 1:17 p.m., following the Unity Rockettes of Tolono, who are making their ninth state appearance in Class 1A. Later in the session, St. Joseph-Ogden will perform at 1:45 p.m. as the third Champaign County school competing Friday, also seeking a spot in the 1A finals after finishing 16th last season. After all 60 performances across Classes 1A and 2A are completed, the IHSA will announce the 12 finalists in each division who will advance to Saturday’s championship rounds. Returning for the Maroons this season are Aurelie Gerini, Azaria Lewis, TyShauna Leinhart, Summer Aker, Kai’mere Beard, Tesla Burack and Leyla Allison. The roster also features four newcomers in Mekhi Gray, Ayden Hepler, Charlotte Hartsock and Aisha Emniser, adding depth to a program continuing to establish itself on the state level. Admission to the state finals is $17, with tickets available in advance through Ticketmaster. Live coverage will also be available on the NFHS Network.
