by Shelley Bennett
Last Monday the Grizzliettes returned from their third trip to USA Dance Nationals in Anaheim, CA. The trip was highlighted by their incredible performances onstage in the kick, military, and hip hop divisions, as well as Kaylee Micone, shining in the junior solo category.
I’m always amazed at the enormity of this competition! The Anaheim Convention Center is huge and we fill up one of the halls, an enormous warm up area, and the arena, which is the size of a large college’s basketball facility.
There are teams from all over California, Oregon, Washington, Utah, Idaho, and Nevada, most of which are double or even triple the size of Lassen High. Yet, our Grizzliettes held their own among some of the best teams in the West.
On Day 1, Junior Kaylee Micone took the stage with an emotional lyrical piece “Girl Like Me” choreographed by J&J studio owner Jessica Wade. Micone was praised for being a beautiful dancer and performer with excellent technique and emotional expression.
This is the first time the Drill Team has entered a dancer in the solo division and we have plans to open it up to more members next year.
Day 2 was filled with the team’s three performances and was a whirlwind of getting ready, running through the dance, performing, a break to breathe, get a drink of water, and grab a snack, then repeat.
Hip Hop was first. Alumni and former captain Olivia Ormachea choreographed this hard-hitting, energetic routine to a mix of songs called “Freaky”. She was assisted by captain Cori Nystrom, who helped clean movements and formations. The judges enjoyed their “nice, strong facials” and “fun transitions.”
Moving on to Kick, the team brought a high-energy performance with a Latin flair to “Let’s Get Loud”. Choreographed by captain Julienne Bennett, the judges awarded high marks for her creative formations and variety of kicks.
One judge commented they appreciated their “sassiness”. Overall, it was the highest-scoring routine from the Grizzliettes and placed 6th out of 10 teams.
Military finished the day with “Feel Good Inc.”, choreographed by Maddie Schiffman and taught by captain Kylee Tancreto. This dance offered a unique interpretation of this aggressive style of dance. Their “sharp arm sequences” and “angles” were complimented by the judges.
Our last day was filled with making memories at Disneyland. Rides, character interactions, shopping, and snacking filled most of our time, until All-American Kaylee Micone and Senior Madi Boyer returned for a special performance to close the competition.
In addition to those mentioned above, Hailey Sandoval, Adelin McClure, Parker Foreman, Alexa Stout, Addison Dollar, and Khloe Silva also competed with the team.
It’s hard to describe the emotions that go through me as I stand at the music station ready to press “play”. I remember the difficulties they had with learning choreo and new skills, the frustration when perfecting certain sections of the dance or overcoming individual challenges, then the pride that happens when the dance becomes second nature.
It is always a little overwhelming to see them in costume with full makeup and hair, performing a perfect piece. They are breathtaking.
I try to take it all in while remembering to watch for the parts that gave us trouble (Yes! They nailed it!) and the sections that are always 100% (Wow! Listen to the crowd!).
And then it’s over. 2 ½ minutes of combining the music, body, mind, and soul into one powerful force.
There’s nothing like it.
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