Unity Rockettes set to compete at state dance championships

The Rockettes are part of a crowded Class 1A field featuring several perennial power programs. Only the top 12 teams will advance after Friday’s preliminary round.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Members of the Unity competitive dance team performs during half of the football team's home playoff game against Monticello. Finishing third at the Champaign Sectional on Saturday, the Rockettes advance to Friday's preliminary round at the IHSA Competitive Dance State Finals in Bloomington.

TOLONO - For the eighth time in program history, the Unity dance team will perform under the lights of the IHSA Competitive Dance State Finals on Friday, taking the floor at Grossinger Motors Arena with a place in Saturday’s Class 1A championship round on the line.

The Rockettes are scheduled to perform at 1:13 p.m. Friday at at the arena in Bloomington as part of the IHSA Competitive Dance State Finals. Unity will compete in the Class 1A preliminary round, where the top 12 teams advance to Saturday’s championship finals from a field of 30 qualifiers.

Unity’s routine will follow performances by Quincy Notre Dame at 12:57 p.m. and Fieldcrest at 1:05 p.m. Area fans remaining in the arena after the Rockettes take the floor will also have a chance to support Champaign Central next during its Class 2A performance, with St. Joseph-Ogden going under the lights in the afternoon at 1:45 p.m.

Advancing will not come easily. Class 1A is expected to be highly competitive, with nine of last year’s top 10 finishers returning to the state series. Established programs from Jacksonville, Morris and Highland headline a field where a single mistake could be the difference between advancing and an early exit.

After all 60 performances across both classes are completed, the IHSA will announce the 12 finalists in each division who will move on to Saturday’s title rounds.

Unity’s 2025 state roster includes Olivia Egelston, Ella Darnall, Vanna Schriefer, Taylor Daly, Faith Lampe, Katie Knoll, Madison Spohn, Jauniyah Lisanby, Skylar Savona, Za’Brya White, Jordan Hamilton, Mallory Tiemann, Lily Beailes and Makayla Goff. The Rockettes are coached by Maddy Wilson. She is assisted by Briget Hooker.

Friday’s appearance continues a long history of postseason success for the program. Unity has qualified for the IHSA Competitive Dance State Finals eight times since the series began, with state trips in the 2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons. The Rockettes also captured sectional championships in back-to-back years during the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons.

With experience, depth and a proven track record, Unity will look to put together a clean performance Friday afternoon and earn another spot among the state’s final 12 teams.

Admission is $17, with tickets available online through Ticketmaster. Live coverage of the event will also be available on the NFHS Network.

TAGS: Unity Rockettes IHSA dance state finals preview, Unity High School competitive dance Class 1A, Grossinger Motor Arena dance state meet, IHSA Competitive Dance Class 1A preliminaries, Unity dance team state history

Curtain call set, Maroons dance team looks to climb Class 2A standings

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.

TAGS: Champaign Central competitive dance state finals, IHSA Competitive Dance Class 2A preliminaries, Champaign Central dance team Bloomington, Grossinger Motor Arena dance finals, Champaign Central second state appearance

Three area dance teams qualify for IHSA dance state finals

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.

Champaign Central Dance team competes at state in 2025

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 Motors 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 .

TAGS: IHSA Competitive Dance State Finals Bloomington, Champaign Central dance sectional results, Unity Rockettes IHSA state qualifier, St. Joseph-Ogden dance team state finals, Champaign sectional competitive dance results

SJO Dance Team finishes the season 16th in the state

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

The SJO Dance Team pose for a photo while waiting for Friday's performance results at Grossinger Motors Arena during the IHSA Competitive Dance State Finals.

BLOOMINGTON - Going to state is a big deal. Competing against the top 30 teams in the state, the St. Joseph-Ogden dance team finished 16th out of 81 high school dance programs at this year's IHSA Competitive Dance State Finals.

"It was just like the best experience in the world," said senior Olivia Getty before the 12 finalists were announced at Friday's preliminary round at Grossinger Motors Arena. "Regardless of how we finish, I feel really proud of how we danced today. I feel like we did well."

The best part about competing at state for Reese Wheatley, one of two seniors on the squad, was spending the day with her team, giving advice throughout the day, and being there for them.

"It just means so much to be here," she said. "It just shows how hard our whole team worked throughout the entire season."

Getty, the other senior, said making it to state was the result of the Spartans' dedication and work ethic during the season. "It shows all of the hard work it took to get here."

Wheatley said Alyssa Hudson, the team's new head coach, is one of the best coaches she has worked with.

"She loves us so much and has spent so much time with us. She shows that at every single practice."

Getty added, "She pushed us so hard. She saw our potential from day one and did not let us give up on ourselves. She pushed us the whole season."

SJO missed the cut for the finals by four places. Finishing ahead of the SJO Dance Team with a score of 80.88 were Glenbard South (13th, 82.90), Civic Memorial (14th, 82.64), and Elmwood (15th, 81.24).

The 2025 State Championship went to Providence Catholic, who bested the competition with a score of 93.56. Earning a score of 92.34 and finishing in the top three for the third consecutive year since the pandemic, Morris took home another second-place trophy. The reigning J'ettes from Jacksonville, who had hoped to achieve a three-peat, finished third with a score of 91.12 in this season's title run.

Getty's advice to next year's dance team is to work hard.

"Work so hard," she advised. "Every moment pays off. Just put in the time and the effort. It will pay off."

St. Joseph-Ogden Dance Team at IHSA State

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

The SJO Dance Team performs their modern dance routine in the preliminary round at Grossinger Motors Arena during the IHSA Competitive Dance State Finals.

Wheatley's message to her fellow teammates was, "Remember that you are not alone. Everyone is going through something, so show up every day and do your very best. Keep yourselves and each other proud."

The Spartan Dance Team roster also included Adelyn Childers, Abigail Getty, Gracyn Sjoken, Abigail Bello, Alivia Learned, Hadley McDonald, Lilly Sollars, Ava Gallo, and Lilyah Jones. Hudson was assisted by former dance team member Kaitlyn Hess.

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.

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.

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.

SJO Dance Team finishes 11th in first state finals appearance

SJO's Dance Team closed out a breakthrough season with an 11th-place finish at the IHSA Class 1A State Finals, just two points shy of cracking the top ten.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Members of the SJO Dance Team perform their routine at Grossinger Motors Arena during the IHSA Competitive State Dance Finals on Saturday. See more photos below.

BLOOMINGTON - The St. Joseph-Ogden Dance Team closed out its season Saturday with an 11th-place finish at the IHSA Class 1A Competitive Dance State Finals, capping a year of growth and perseverance that sent the Spartans into competition against the state's elite programs. SJO earned a score of 83.35 in the final round, finishing ahead of Murphysboro (83.02) and just shy of cracking the top ten behind Evergreen Park (85.14), while Joliet Catholic Academy claimed the championship trophy with a score of 92.28.

The Spartans qualified for the finals by posting the 10th-highest score in Friday's preliminary round at 83.92, securing their spot among the final 12 teams and performing third in Saturday's performance order. For a program competing at state for the first time and fielding a roster with five underclassmen among 10 team members, the experience of standing alongside perennial contenders like Jacksonville, the runner-up at 91.62, and Morris, third at 91.06, offered a glimpse of what sustained success requires at this level.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Coached by Alyssa Hudson, the team's routine was built around a metaphor of moving through adversity rather than avoiding it, choreographed to the song "Lightning Crashes" by Live and performed in costumes designed to evoke the chaos and color of a lightning storm. Hudson said the theme reflected the team's own journey this season, as they navigated the mental and physical challenges of competing at the highest level while building a program still in its infancy on the state stage.

"We learned a lot about moving through adversity as a team this year and we really leaned into that as our inspiration," Hudson said. "It feels so amazing to be in the state finals for the first time with the SJO dance program. We are happy to be here and we'll continue to grow the program every year."

Sophomore Ava Gallo, one of the underclassmen returning next season, said the team left everything on the floor despite falling short of a trophy. She pointed to mindset as a key area for improvement heading into next year's campaign, particularly when it comes to overcoming the mental barriers that can surface in high-stakes competition.

"We put in all the effort throughout the entire season, we went through ups and downs, and I feel like we literally put everything into this dance," Gallo said. "A positive mindset can really go a long way to push through all the mental blocks you have."

In addition to Gallo, this season's state qualifying team included seniors Abby Getty and Gracyn Sjoken; juniors Hadley McDonald, Lilly Sollars, Alivia Learned; and freshmen Darby Manion, Jillian Davis, Avary Buhr, and Leah Stephenson.

Hudson thanked the Spartans' fans, who brought light-up signs and energetic support throughout the season, and credited the administration at St. Joseph-Ogden for backing the program's growth. With the taste of state competition now behind them and a core of returning dancers ready to build on this year's foundation, the message from both coach and team was clear: this is just the beginning.

"We are upward and onward from here," Hudson said. "We are really excited."

TAGS: St. Joseph-Ogden dance team state finals results, SJO Spartans IHSA dance competition 2025, Class 1A competitive dance state championship Illinois, St. Joseph-Ogden first state dance appearance

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SJO Dance Team at State