Danz Team takes second at state

The Sidney Red Raiders Danz Team came away from the 2014 Nebraska State Cheer and Dance Championships with a second place finish in the High Kick competition.

The Raiders competed in two events at the championships which were held at the Heartland Events Center in Grand Island on Saturday. After first competing in High Kick, Sidney returned to close out the competition in Hip Hop.

They finished a strong 6th in that category. Elkhorn South was the winner in Hip Hop with 83.83 points while Elkhorn finished second (82.17) and Omaha Gross Catholic third (79.67).

But the High Kick division impressed everyone. The Raiders Danz Team racked up a score of 74.83--just behind the winner, Scottsbluff. Columbus and Lexington tied for third with 71.33 points.

"We already have a little rivalry with Scottsbluff going," said junior Madi Lawler. "We've always wanted to beat them, but they did well. We'll just have to come back next year and see if we can top them."

Since the Raiders are young they should have every reason to set even higher goals for next season. Though it's the second straight year the team has placed at the state tournament in High Kick, they did so with only one senior and several freshmen.

"We practiced every day for a month and felt very well prepared," said sophomore Hannah Rapp. "I was hoping we could win the kick, but Scottsbluff showed how well they are with their technical movements."

In addition to Lawler and Rapp, the Danz team includes Jenny Myers, Alex Manriquez, Madi Busskohl, Sami Wamsley, Alex Wamsley, Madison Couch, Hannah Ringleman and Julia White.

The team is coached by Krissy Fry, who choreographs the routines.

With such a young group, it's not surprising that the team can get some butterflies at a big event.

"It was really nerve wracking, but I was really happy with the way it went," said White a freshman. "It was like a rush. I think the nerves helped us dance the best we ever have."

Freshman Alex Wamsley had similar thoughts.

"I was really nervous, but really excited," she said. "It was the hardest we've ever danced. Our energy level was amazing."

Since the Sidney team only has one competitive event each year, the nerves are a part of the experience, even for team veterans.

"Even after doing this for three years I still get nervous," said Lawler. "But I think it helps our performance."

Though the Raiders perform competitively only once every year, they get plenty of practice honing their skills throughout the year. The team actually formed in May and practices during the summer. They have been a regular part of halftime shows on the football field and basketball floor.

A version of their Hip-Hop routine has been performed often at SHS. They dress up as "Night of the Living Dead"--zombie-like characters--and dance in a rag-doll fashion. Their High Kick has them doing steps that resemble the Rockettes of Radio City Music Hall.

"Performing at home at the halftimes is a good warm up to the state competition," said another freshman Sami Wamsley. "But the actual competition is more nerve wracking."

Most of the group seems to prefer the High Kick event. But since the High Kick event came first it may have been even more unsettling for some of the freshmen.

"I think I did better in Hip Hop because I was so nervous for the kick," said Couch, a freshman. "The crowd was so loud I think that helped us to do our best. It was an unforgettable experience. "

Sidney Danz Team

Jenny Myers

Madi Lawler

Hannah Rapp

Alex Manriquez

Madi Busskohl

Sami Wamsley

Madison Couch

Alex Wamsley

Hanna Ringleman

Julia White