The Sentinel: IHSA Competitive Dance State Finals

Providence Catholic leads Class 2A prelims at IHSA Competitive Dance State Finals

Members of the Providence Catholic dance team strike their finale pose at the 2025 IHSA Competitive Dance State Finalson Friday. The Dancing Celtics finished the first day of competition as the Class 2A leaders.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

BLOOMINGTON - Providence Catholic danced its way to the top of the Class 2A preliminary standings at the IHSA Competitive Dance State Finals on Friday, posting a 93.56 score to lead the field at Grossinger Motors Arena.

The Dancing Celtics, who placed fifth in last year’s finals, improved upon their 2024 preliminary standing by one spot and will look to claim the program’s first state title in Saturday’s championship round.

Morris secured the No. 2 position for the second straight year, earning a 92.34 score with their polished routine. Jacksonville, the reigning state champion, followed closely behind in third at 91.12, setting up a potential battle for the podium among the top three.

Performing a hip hop routine, the Morris Varsity Dance team finished this year's state prelims in second place.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

A tight race for the remaining top-five spots saw Montini (89.36), Carmel (89.30) and Highland (89.26) separated by less than a tenth of a point, underscoring the level of competition heading into the final round.

Evergreen Park (88.14), Marion (87.32), Joliet Catholic Academy (87.00), Nazareth Academy (86.84), Sycamore (86.00) and Clinton (85.18) rounded out the 12-team field advancing to Saturday's final.

With four of last year’s top five teams once again among the top performers, the 2025 championship showdown will feature familiar contenders at this year's state championships.

2025 Class 2A Preliminary Standings:

1. Providence Catholic – 93.56
2. Morris – 92.34
3. Jacksonville – 91.12
4. Montini – 89.36
5. Carmel – 89.30
6. Highland – 89.26
7. Evergreen Park – 88.14
8. Marion – 87.32
9. Joliet Catholic Academy – 87.00
10. Nazareth Academy – 86.84
11. Sycamore – 86.00
12. Clinton – 85.18

The Class 2A championship round begins Saturday morning.

Central varsity dance team competes at IHSA state finals

BLOOMINGTON - The competitive dance team at Central made school history on Friday, becoming the first squad to compete for a state title in the IHSA's Competitive Dance State Championships. The Maroons were among 30 Class 2A teams that performed at Grossinger Motors Area in Bloomington, aiming for a spot in the championship round before judges, hundreds of dancers, and thousands of fans.

Members of the Central dance team perform at the IHSA Competitive State Dance Finals. The Maroons were the only Big 12 team to qualify for this year's finals.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Central secured their state qualification with a third-place finish, showcasing their dynamic hip hop routine at the Mahomet-Seymour Sectional on January 22, surpassing Triad (4th), Dunlap (5th), and Ottawa (6th). The sectional title went to Bradley-Bourbonnais, narrowly edging out Washington for the top spot by less than half a point.

Following the preliminary round, Bradley-Bourbonnais was the sole team from downstate 2A to advance to Saturday's final. The Boilerettes faced tough competition from championship-caliber teams like Geneva and Lake Zurich, who have been contenders since Competitive Dance was introduced by the IHSA in 2013. In their inaugural state appearance, Central finished 30th.

"It's absolutely incredibly. The energy here is awesome. They worked so hard and they earned it," head Coach Illyanna Lopez said after the list of teams advancing to Saturday's final was read. Unfortunately, Central was not among them. "To be here, fighting with the best of the best, is the most we could hope for."

Central was the lone Big 12 dance team to qualify for the IHSA state competition. Heading into Friday's preliminaries, the Maroon varsity dance squad was no stranger to competing with top-tier teams. Under Lopez, the program has claimed a IDTA state title in Hip Hop (2023) and qualified for the IDTA state last year.

Members of the 2024-2025 Champaign Central varsity dance team pose for a photo after competing at the state dance championships. Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Lopez emphasized the team's dedication to academics and discipline in preparation for competing against the best. "We pushed them as students first before being athletes," she explained. She pointed out that the school's athletic director and families were 'incredible' to work with this season. "It truly was a team effort."

Despite their final placement, Lopez expressed pride in her team's performance on Friday. "It is our first time in Unit 4 to be here," Lopez told her dancers. "You've earned it. Congratulations."

Central's first state-qualifying dance team includes: TyShauna Leinhart, Summer Aker, Leyla Allison, Azaria Lewis, Aurelie Gerini, Yanadelyz Cabrera, Kai’mere Beard, Aylaya Dooley, Zarayah Markham, Kimora Maynor, Tesla Burack, Londyn Grant, and Jane Koske.

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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

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.

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

The JCA Angels perform at the state dance finals

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

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

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.

Jacksonville Dance team performs at IHSA state

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

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.

Going to state! SJO Dance Team advances to Competitive Dance State Finals

A member of the Spartan Dance Team performs at halftime during St. Joseph-Ogden's home basketball game against Warrensburg-Latham at the Christie Clinic Shootout. The Spartan finished fourth at the St. Anthony Competitive Dance sectional on Saturday. Advancing to the state final prelims on Friday, SJO will perform at 10:39 AM for a spot in Saturday's championship round.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

EFFINGHAM — The Spartan Dance Team secured their third consecutive trip to the Illinois High School Association Competitive State Dance Finals after finishing fourth at the St. Anthony sectional on Saturday.

The eleven-member troupe earned a score of 80.17, placing behind Jacksonville (90.27), the defending Class 1A state champions. Clinton took second place, with St. Anthony finishing third, joining nine other small school programs at Bloomington's Grossinger Motors Arena for the state finals.

Four additional local teams competed at sectionals but did not advance. Villa Grove placed 7th, Unity 9th, and Rantoul 16th at Effingham. Mahomet-Seymour finished 11th in their sectionals, completing the area teams that did not advance.

In Class 2A at Mahomet, Champaign Central finished third behind Bradley-Bourbonnais and Washington. The Maroons are scheduled to perform at 1:49 PM on Friday.

The Spartan Dance Team roster includes Olivia Getty, Reese Wheatley, Adelyn Childers, Abigail Getty, Gracyn Sjoken, Abigail Bello, Alivia Learned, Hadley McDonald, Lilly Sollars, Ava Gallo, and Lilyah Jones. Alyssa Hudson coaches the Spartans, assisted by Kaitlyn Hess.

Tickets for Friday's preliminary competition are $12 at the door and can be purchased in advance online via TicketMaster or by phone at the City Box Office at (309) 434-2777.

Schedule for Friday

SESSION 1 - 1A & 2A Preliminaries

9:15 a.m. Doors open to the State Final venue site
10:00 a.m. Welcome
10:10 a.m. Announcements & National Anthem
10:15 a.m. First Performance (1A & 2A Alternate Performances)
12:15 p.m. Officials Break
2:21 p.m. Last Performance
2:40 p.m. Announcement of 1A Finalists
2:50 p.m. Announcement of 2A Finalists

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Warrior dance team places 2nd at state

Mya Bills and the Lincoln-Way West dance team perform their competitive dance routine on Friday at the IHSA state finals on Friday. The Warriors advanced to Day 2 competition in fourth place on their way to the 2024 runner-up title. See more photos below.

PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

BLOOMINGTON - After finishing the first day of competition in fourth place, Lincoln-Way West's 24-member strong dance turned up the heat on Day 2 at Grossinger Motors Arena to finish second in the Class 2A division at the Illinois High School Association's Competitive State Dance Finals on Saturday. Receiving a 93.26 and qualifying for the championship round on Friday, the orange and black-cladded Warriors improved their score by nearly one point to 94.12.

The runner-up Warrior team includes Kaylee Towson Aldridge, Amber Graves, Ava Swidergal, Candise Battin, Ella Stahulak, McKenna Redican, Elena Ciabattari, Elora Maletich, Keira Loranger, Sadie Smith, Mackenna Woltman, Liky Grude, Lindsey Dust, Kylie Smith, Chloe Sall, Isabel Kostecki, Jenna Cronk, Mya Bills, Leah Young, Aubree McElree, Kiera Grimmett, Sadie Lazzari, Ryan Borrelli, and Amanda Garbaciak. Lincoln-Way West is coached by Melissa Sweeney with assistants Ashely Hon and Kelly Sabo at her side.

The Warriors' routine finished behind the lyrical performance by this year's championship team from Lake Forest. The Scouts tallied the best score across all three classes finishing with an impressive 98.02 from judges.

Rounding out the top three places, Geneva captured their 11th consecutive state trophy with a third-place finish. The Vikings, who earned a 92.72 score on Saturday, have consistently finished in the 2A top three since 2014.

Advancing to the finals third after the first round of performances, Lake Zurich (91.88) closed out the IHSA season in fourth place. The Bears dance squad was less than a point from capturing the program's seventh state dance trophy.

Vernon Hills (90.77) was fifth in the final standings, followed by Burlington Central (90.32), St. Charles North (90.12) in sixth place, and Deerfield (88.18), who finished as the 8th-best team in the state after both days of competition.

Meanwhile, Chicago Jones finished in ninth place with an 87.12. Grant High School (86.06) was tenth, Lincoln-Way Central earned an 84.68, good for 11th place, and Crystal Lake Central was awarded an 84.34 by judges in the season finale.

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Lake Forest delivers impressive performance for Class 2A dance title

PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

BLOOMINGTON - Lake Forest's moving interpretive presentation was the 18th of 24 performances on Saturday. Like every year, the field of competition was tremendous, and the Scouts Dance Team overwhelmingly impressed the judging crew, earning the Class 2A division's top score of 98.02.

This year's Scouts include Bianca Storino, Rachel Silvers, Alana Tennett, Ellery Newman, Maddie Van Nuys, Hadleigh Deegan, Lyla Carney, Kate Westerman, Blakely Rice, Reese Harper, Amelia Hansen, Finley Karr, Grace Clark, Josie Irvin, Sophia Brincat, Mia Konkel, Camille Brincat, and Madeleine Axus. Lake Forest was led to the finals by head coach Angela McNicholas with the help of assistant Ashley Nash.

Nearly four points behind this year's state champions, Lincoln-Way West (94.12), who finished fourth with their hip-hop routine after Friday's preliminary round, was crowned this year's runner-up squad. Making their fifth consecutive state appearance, the Warrior's dynamic performance and precise execution yielded a second-place finish.

Geneva took home their 11th consecutive state trophy after finishing third with a score of 92.72. The Vikings program has consistently finished in the top three since 2014.

Placing third after the first round of performances, Lake Zurich (91.88) closed out the IHSA season in fourth place. The Bears dance squad was less than a point from capturing the program's seventh state dance trophy.

Vernon Hills (90.77) was fifth in the final standings, followed by Burlington Central (90.32), St. Charles North (90.12) in sixth place, and Deerfield (88.18), who finished as the 8th best team in the state after both days of competition.

Photo Gallery

Editor's Note: Our original story stated, "The Warriors, making their fifth consecutive state appearance, were last year's class 2A champions." This was incorrect. LWW qualified for state last year but missed the cut for the second day of competition as the story now states. We apologize for the error.