The 2025-26 Freeport High School competitive dance team is the first team in history to qualify and compete at IDTA State Finals. The State Finals competition was held in Springfield, Illinois at the Bank of Springfield Center on February 14th.
The team received a qualifying score of 86 at the annual Salty Showdown Competition on January 4th.
“It was exciting to get the recognition as we have been working so hard not only just this season but all four years being on the team,” says senior Madelyne Spaide.
They spent the next month working hard to perfect their routine, make changes, and adapt to critiques they received from judges.
“I want to do good for all the seniors and I want to have fun doing the dance for the last time,” says junior Sydney Rackow.
The Pretzels headed for Springfield on Friday February 13th. After a three hour drive, the girls arrived.
Day one in Springfield was spent shopping at the White Oaks Mall and eating at Chili’s. They had practice in the banquet room at the hotel and also spent time swimming in the hotel pool.
Day two was spent at the Bank of Springfield Center competing. The team mentally and physically prepared for their performance by listening to the performance song, doing different conditioning drills, and giving each other pep talks.
“I felt very prepared because we spent an hour in the warm up rooms. We practiced lifts, turns, and certain jumps. Us practicing these helped me feel very prepared and relaxed my nerves,” says freshman Kailyn Voegeli.
The team ended up placing 11th in the 2A Jazz Division.
As their season comes to a close, returning members begin to set goals for next year.
Junior Katie Cummins says, her goals for next year are “to make it to State and place top 6 at Sectionals.”
The Freeport High School Competitive Dance Team worked incredibly hard throughout the season resulting in a trip to IDTA State Finals to end the year. The underclassmen and upcoming seniors are optimistic about the trajectory of their approaching season.
