As they took their starting positions on the US Cellular Coliseum dance floor in Bloomington IL, the Antioch Community High School Dance Team prepared to perform in front of hundreds in the audience and over live recording as they competed at State on Friday evening, Jan. 29.

After placing fourth at their Sectionals Invitational at Grayslake North High School the previous weekend, the dancers officially qualified for State.

“It felt great to be acknowledged for something we’ve been working hard to achieve,” junior Morgan Balleza said.

After the drumline led the team around school Friday morning, the dancers headed off to State, prepping for their performance later that evening. Just minutes before their grand debut, they celebrated with their favorite traditions: encouraging speeches and chants, streaming energy and excitement into the nervous dancers.

“[The dance] is lyrical and would be recognized as inspirational,” Balleza said. “It has both pretty, flowing sections, yet is hard-hitting and emotional as well.”

Throughout the five-month competition season, the team said their work showed through the uplifting routine as they received 11th place in their 2A division at State, .14 points away from making it to the second day of competition.

The last time the dance team went to state was 2014, and they said they were excited to repeat the experience. The team is optimistic for next year’s competition season, hoping to not only make it back to the giant dance floor in Bloomington again, but to also advance to the final round along with the other top teams in Illinois.