Dance team excels at first competition of the season

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Claire Van Aken, staff writer

The Jacksonville J’ettes kicked off their season in January and attended the IDTA regional competition in Edwardsville. The team competed a total of four times for both IDTA and IHSA officials. For IDTA, they were scored and given placement for the State competition in February. And for IHSA, they were only given feedback and a score. 

The J’ettes are competing in AA Lyrical and Pom/Dance at IDTA. Their Pom routine features all of Prince’s greatest hits and was choreographed by the coaches, Allyson Maul and Tiffany Hickox, and the co-captains, Ava Lahey, Ashley Haggerty, and Claire Van Aken. In Edwardsville, the team received first place and a qualifying score advancing them to the State competition in Springfield. For AA Lyrical, the team chose Anna Bezler to choreograph a mesmerizing routine that showcases the many talents of all sixteen girls on the floor. The message the team wants to convey to the audience is special and very important. In addition to Bezler’s expertise, the captains and coaches also give week-to-week input to make the routine better than the last time they performed. The Edwardsville competition was a clean sweep for the team when they received first place for AA Lyrical.

Aside from the team aspect of the sport, the J’ettes brought two senior soloists to compete. Ava Lahey performed a lyrical solo and won first place and a qualifying score to State. Ashley Haggerty received sixth place and a qualifying score to State. 

Congratulations to the J’ettes on yet another successful start to their season!