The Prairie High School Dance Team made history as the team placed in the top three for the first time at the state championships for dance in late March, securing a third place spot in the hip-hop category.
The team competed at the Yakima Valley SunDome on Saturday, March 26, during the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association’s Dance State Championships.
“I feel great and I’m overjoyed with happiness from our results,” said coach Molly Wilson. “It was definitely unexpected and I think that’s what made it even better.”
Wilson said making it to the state championship is “a big deal in itself” for any dance team, but securing a top three spot is even better.
“I think all the girls are just shocked,” said Wilson.
Along with taking the third place spot in the hip-hop category, Prairie placed sixth out of 16 teams in the pom category.
Wilson said her team is composed of “stars.” The last time the team was set to head to state, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted their shot at a title.
“This was definitely a year where they could do this at the end of their senior year was the best thing for them,” she said.
Wilson highlighted senior Becka Timm, who she described as hardworking and dedicated. Wilson said Timm is “always willing to try her best and always has a positive attitude.”
The coach also acknowledged freshman Ellie Ogle, who “really took whatever I threw at her.”
Ogle worked hard as she prepared for the competition and always put her team first, while keeping a positive attitude, Wilson said.
The team is led by captains Ashley Leinenbach and Isabelle Martin, as well as assistant captain Vivianna Nguyen, who are all seniors.
“They help with leading the team, running warmups, helping clean certain sections, and just being good role models that the team look up to,” Wilson said.
Wilson said the captains always represented Prairie in a positive light.
As for Nguyen, Wilson said she always has a smile on her face.
“Whether it’s joking around or in a serious moment, she’s always that positive person that the girls can look up to. … Even when times are hard on the team, she lifts everyone up,” Wilson said.
Wilson said her goal for next year is to build upon what the team created this season.
“I would love to compete next year and continue to hold our title, or continue to grow even more in that, and being more involved in the community,” she said.
Wilson became the coach of the team as the pandemic started, so she at first had to teach the dancers through Zoom. They then transitioned into in-person practices and performances with five dancers at a time.
Preparing the team for the championship was a long process, Wilson said. She had to work to get the dancers to perform in unison.
She credited the contributions of Bree Loyd, who is the spirit coordinator.
“I couldn’t have done it without her,” Wilson said. “We bounce ideas off each other and help each other out in good times and bad times, so it was nice having a great support system behind me through it all.”
Loyd was also happy with how the team performed at the state championships.
“It went great,” said Loyd. “They were just excited to go after COVID and everything. To get up there and do so well … was icing on the cake.”
Loyd noted the team “had a lot of ups and downs” throughout the pandemic, but were able to come together as a team. The girls practiced four to five hours a week, and performed at various sporting events.
