After a successful weekend in Bloomington, the Niles West varsity dance team finishes with a highly successful season, qualifying for state at the IHSA sectionals.

Senior Callan Schoenbauer notes the adversity the team has gone through this season.

“This season has been a very difficult one, we have gone through many ups and downs. I am very proud of my team. I think everyone gave it their all when they performed and all of our hard work paid off,” Schoenbauer stated.

Although qualifying for state is impressive, the work has just begun for the team, as well as getting into the right mindset.

“We’ve already worked so hard to get here, but the real work starts now. State is just as much of a mental battle as it is a physical one. Leading up to the date, we have continued to work on the dance, which means working on technique, synchronization, emotion, and more. However, we’ve also being getting into the “state mindset” as well,” junior Samina Hodzic stated.

Head coach Diana Corral is glad to have experienced this event with a team that hasn’t been to state for some time.

“The challenging part was that the last time we were there was before COVID. So, you know, things weren’t exactly the same. But last year, even though we didn’t make it to state, it wasn’t in-person, so it was exciting to just be able to be in-person and be able to perform with a live audience,” Corral stated. 

Qualifying for state has done significant numbers for the program looking ahead.

“I think it just helped our athletes be even more motivated and also just help them see how hard work really pays off. It was really great to just end the season on a high note. I think it was motivating and exciting for those who aren’t seniors to keep pushing for next year,” Corral stated. 

Making it to state was an acknowledgment to the hard work the girls put in all season.

“We all love being a team and our bond shines through in our performances. We all showed up everyday to work hard, even at times when we felt unmotivated. That hard work finally paid off and after about six months of working on perfecting this dance we were so happy to find out that we made it to state and all became better athletes in the process,” Hodzic said.

Schoenbauer recognizes future notions about this dance program.

“I think that this being the second time we have qualified for state makes everyone want to work harder. Seeing all of the other amazing teams perform makes everyone want to improve and I believe that this program can continue to grow,” Schoenbauer stated.

The girls’ placed 30th in state.