J’ettes compete at state competition

Olivia Lee, staff writer

On February 13, the Jacksonville J’ettes competed with IDTA (Illinois Drill Team Association) at this year’s state competition at the Prairie Capital Convention Center in Springfield.  The J’ettes started their day off around 7:30 to watch senior, Tori Covell compete in her solo against 32 other soloists.  She ended up placing 14th out of 32 but unfortunately did not qualify for top 10.  

Next the J’ettes prepared for their glamorous-themed kick routine. They competed against four other teams including Marion, Collinsville, Hinsdale South, and Charleston in the AA division.  The J’ettes received four out of five teams in this category.  In the AA Pom/Dance category, the J’ettes were up against eight competing teams.  The J’ettes were slightly more victorious in this division receiving seventh place out of nine total teams.  The J’ettes were most successful, however, in their Hip Hop routine which had proved to be a challenging dance to clean up throughout their competition season. Taking out illegal stunts and incorporating more visually appealing formations and tricks, the J’ettes were able to qualify their routine on their third try.  At state, this dance placed fifth out of eleven teams in the AA Hip Hop category.  

Next year the Jacksonville J’ettes hope to be competing with TDI (Team Dance Illinois) again.  The J’ettes dance/competition team tryout for next year will most likely take place sometime in April or May 2016.  Girls wishing to tryout must come prepared with a one minute and thirty second solo to perform.  They will also be scored on their overall dance ability and technique.  Most importantly, the girls’ ability to catch on to a routine and memorize the steps will always be included in the final tryout as they perform it for a number of judges with prior dance experience and knowledge.  J’ette tryouts usual span over a three-day period.  For more information, listen to school announcements and pay attention to posters around the school.