The Lisbon Dance team placed second in class IV Pom and fifth in Class II Jazz at the state dance competition Wednesday, Nov. 30.
“This year we moved up in class size due to increased enrollment at Lisbon and we were up against some really tough competition, but they worked extremely hard and held their own against some very talented teams,” said Lisbon dance coach Amy Geis. “I couldn’t be more proud. Our team is made up of multi activity student athletes who have to split their time and I’m in awe of how they manage their busy schedules and give me so much of their time and energy.”
Geis noted this team is also one of the largest teams that Lisbon has had in competition, with 14 dancers competing in the event, nine of those for the first time.
Soloists Kenndy Baxa and McKenna Nost also earned Division I ratings for their solo performances, placing them in the top third of solo competitors of Class II dance.
“I was very nervous about performing my first solo,” Nost said. “I really didn’t know what to expect. I tried to set no expectations for myself, since it was my first solo at state, but I obviously had hopes I would do well. Sitting waiting for the Division I results, I really didn’t know what to think. I was nervous because I knew that if I got a Division I, I would have done really well. When they said my name, my heart dropped and I was immediately proud of myself, I was so happy.”
Later in the evening, she and Baxa waited to hear if they placed in the top 10.
“My teammates supported Kennedy and I so much and I remember sitting there waiting to maybe hear my name with my teammates holding Kennedy and my hand was the best feeling ever because we had so much support,” Nost said. “I didn’t end up placing top 10, but I was still so proud of myself for just getting a Division 1. I couldn’t have done it without Kennedy, my amazing coach Amy, and the girl that choreographed my solo, Jackie Happoldt.”
“The main motive that I had this year to push myself into doing a solo was mainly the support of my mom, coach, and choreographer,” Baxa said. “My mom, Laura Baxa, and choreographer, Bryce Clausen, both wanted me to do a solo my sophomore year but I just wasn’t ready yet. FInally over the summer, dance sort of just clicked and I was super excited for the season (the most excited I have ever been). I gained more confidence and realized that I have the talent to push myself onto the stage alone and do a solo.”
Baxa noted that going into Division I results, she didn’t know what to expect.
“Once the announcer started reading off all of the schools and dancers who had been recognized, it made me extremely nervous and I was really hoping that my name would be called,” she said. “They announced the dancers/ schools alphabetically so I was following along that way.. and also squeezing Amy’s hand (my dance coach). As they got to the L’s, Lisbon was announced and that was when I heard my name. I was so excited and shocked. It didn’t feel real. I am so blessed to have placed 22nd out of 62 dancers, especially my first year stepping out of my comfort zone and trying a solo. I will definitely be doing another solo next year, and aiming for even higher goals in 2023.”
Geis said that the dance team will perform at home basketball games throughout the winter, and will be holding their annual showcase and kids clinic March 4, 2023.
The team had four seniors – Alissa Gaiser, Riley Boots, Lourdes Mason and Gabi Moehlman.
“The thing I enjoy the most about being a member of the Lisbon Dance Team is definitely the team chemistry,” Gaiser said. “It is such an uplifting environment and we become very close throughout the season.”
Gaiser said she has enjoyed about state dance competitions is getting closer with her teammates throughout the competitions over the years.
“Throughout the rest of the season, I am looking forward to enjoying these last moments with my wonderful teammates and amazing coach as we prepare for the showcase this spring,” Gaiser said.
“Dance is different than other sports, you aren’t competing with your teammates for a spot on the starting line up,” Boots said. “We don’t have that tension so we are able to become closer as a team.”
Boots said that she has loved the crowds she gets to perform at for state dance.
“Nothing is more exciting than performing in front of hundreds of people who love dance,” Boots said. “It’s not like at halftime of football or basketball games where they are just there to see the game. These people want to watch us.”
Her favorite routine was the pom routine to old rock and roll songs from her freshman year.
Boots noted that in the past three years when they have won in pom in Class III, it was always an upset.
“After we moved up to class IV this year and having nine new dancers and only five returners, we weren’t even sure we would place,” Boots said. “Second was a shock to us. I am hopeful that next year the team will get back on top.”
Members of the Lisbon Dance Team in their pom uniforms ahead of performance at state Wednesday, Nov. 30.