The Minnewaska Area dance teams had  great seasons in 2023-24, competing in 10 competitions throughout the regular-season before placing fourth at the Section 2A Dance Meet last Saturday at NLS High School.

The Lakers placed fourth in both the High-Kick and Jazz competitions, while St. Cloud Cathedral, Holdingford and New London-Spicer placed first through third in both events and qualified to the state meet.

SC Cathedral and Holdingford have been among the top teams in state Class A all season, while the Wildcats placed third at the section meet, edging the Lakers in both events.  

SC Cathedral went on to win the state Class A Jazz competition, while Holdingford was the Class A champion in High Kick.

“The girls did great and we even changed some of our routine and uniforms, but there was some great competition and we just missed out on the last state spot,” coach Tana Ziesmer said.  “The girls had a great season and we’re very proud of them, but it’s disappointing to lose when you know the competition was so close.”  Minnewaska had been in Section 4A, but the competition would have been just as close as Crosby, Hawley, Bagley and Frazee are all very strong.

The dance teams did win one competition this season as both teams were first at the 6-team BBE Invitational early in the season.  The High-Kick team was also second at the Minnewaska Invitational and third in four other meets, while the Jazz team also placed fourth in four competitions this season.

•  Seniors lost to graduation from this year’s Laker dance teams are Brianna Erickson, Kia Matt, Cacee Danielson, Anna Uecker, Makenna Swalla.

More pictures on page 4B of this week’s paper.

Check out more photos in our photo gallery!