By Carlie Noel

Of the Gleaner

     With the state dance competition approaching quickly, the dance team is hard at work. This year, the team is comprised of 14 dancers: 3 freshmen, 5 sophomores, 4 juniors and 2 seniors. The team is also accompanied by a new coach, Latoya Collins.

Natalie Hoy, ‘16, Kimberley Schmerbach, ‘17, Lillian Jackson, ‘18, and Jena Kluesner, ‘19, are each members of the dance team who are excited to see what this competition season brings.

     Hoy has been a part of the Wahlert dance team for the past four years and has been competing with Xtreme Dance for the past twelve years. “My favorite part about dancing is my team,” explains Hoy.

     She also states that her goal for the team at state is to simply have fun. “Since we have a new coach and are still adjusting, we are keeping it pretty relaxed this year. I think we all just want to do the best we can and have a good time.”

     Schmerbach has been on the Wahlert dance team for the past three years, competing in both the solo and team state competitions. In addition to the Wahlert team, Schmerbach has attended Dubuque Dance for the past 14 years.

     “I enjoy all of the girls on my team who all have a passion for performing,” explains Schmerbach. “My favorite parts about dancing for Wahlert are getting to be with girls who go to different studios and dancing at the basketball games.”

     Jackson, a dancer for Xtreme Dance since age seven, is ready to compete with Wahlert at the state competition for the second time. “State is such an amazing experience, and we want to make the most of it,” explains Jackson. “Our goal is to try our best and just have fun.”

     Jackson’s favorite part about performing is being able to express herself on stage with her team.

     Kluesner has been dancing for 13 years and loves to perform. As a new member of the Wahlert dance team, she enjoys “dancing with new people.”

    “I’ve been dancing with the same people for so many years, and it’s a great experience to start dancing with others that I’m not used to dancing with,” said Kluesner. She is also very excited to participate in her first high school state competition.

     Despite losing a few team members from last year, the team is ready to take the stage Dec. 4 and 5 in Des Moines at the Wells Fargo Arena. The team will be performing a lyrical routine to the song, “Dreaming With a Broken Heart,” as well as a jazz routine to “Elastic Heart.”