Pelican squad sets sites on another state tourney trip

The Pelican Rapids High School Valkyries are now practicing in the new dance room in the new Al Siegle Activities Center.
Pelican Rapids Valkyries dance team captains, front to back: Emily Monson, Mason Thornton, Allie Thompson and Madison Waller.
The 2016-17 Pelican Rapids High School Valkyries competitive dance team, pictured last week during practice.

Coaching Staff: Emily Evenson, Katie Klovstad, Avery Nueville

Section: 4A

Conference: HOL

Highlights from last year: Last year was our first year being part of a conference and we’re excited about being a part of the HOL Conference this season.  Last year was the first year that we were able to have JV Jazz and our numbers were high enough that we were also able to have a B-squad jazz team.

Our highlight last season was advancing to the State Tournament in jazz and we hope to do it again this year, as well as advancing in kick.

Key players graduated: Erin Christenson (MSUM and on MSUM Dance Team), Madalin Berube (Steven’s Point, Majoring in Dance), Brittney LaPoint (MState – Fergus Falls), Megan Albright (St. Cloud State)

Returning starters and letter winners:

Mariana Molina – 12 – Kick & Jazz

Emily Monson – 12 – Kick & Jazz

Danielle Pixley – 12 – Kick & Jazz

Mason Thornton – 12 – Kick & Jazz

Allie Thompson – 11 – Kick & Jazz

Maddy Waller – 11 – Kick & Jazz

Jennessa Ballard – 11 – Kick

Ashley Haiby – 11 – Kick

Mackenzie Thornton – 10 -Kick, Jazz

Sarah Willits – 10 – Kick

Emma Kress – 9 – Kick & Jazz

Anna Kunz – 9 – Kick

Holly Bergquist – 8 – Kick

Grace Haugrud – 8 – Kick & Jazz

Megan Okke – 8 – Kick & Jazz

Key newcomers:

Olivia Bergquist – 10 – Kick

Jennifer Odden – 10 – Kick

Samantha Blakeway – 9 – Kick

Emma Haugrud – 9 – Kick

Ellie Johnson – 9 – Kick

Ariana Johnson – 8 – Kick

JV includes:

Sadie Odden – 11

Brook Gnadt – 10

Crystal Villagomez – 9

Britta Seiple – 9

Jenna Stetz – 9

Johanna Black – 8

Alix Hatle – 8

Tatianna Wiley – 8

Sophia Kulsrud – 7

Millie Sytsma – 7

Captains:

Emily Monson (12), Mason Thornton (12), Allie Thompson (11), Maddy Waller (11)

Comments about team: Similar to last year, we are starting out our season with a larger number on the floor dancing kick and jazz. We’re excited about a large number of new dancers and anxious to see what they bring to the table.

We have a strong group of leaders this season and are anxious to see where they will lead our team with some of their strong choreography.

Our kick routine is a pirate theme and is choreographed to the song “Black Pearl.” Our jazz routine is choreographed to the song “River Deep.”

This year we really look forward to competing against some of our strongest competitors from past seasons. These teams include: Aitkin, Duluth Marshall, Crosby Ironton, Frazee, and Bagley.

DANCE SCHEDULE

Dec 8 Conference Tournament Home

Dec 16 Frazee Invitational Frazee

Jan 6 Conference Tournament DGF

Jan 7 Alexandria Invitational Alexandria

Jan 14 Hawley Invitational Hawley

Jan 21 Pelican Rapids Invitational Home

Jan 27 Conference Tournament Hawley

Feb 4 Sectional Tournament W-D-C