West Fork Dance Team to Compete at State This Week

The award-winning West Fork High School dance team will once again compete at the state level, in Des Moines on Thursday, Dec. 4.

Four dancers — Emerli Johnson, Adra Johnson, Kylin Johnson and Nahla Wilson — will perform solos in the Class II finals, while the entire group will take the stage during the pom, hip hop, jazz and "the mix" categories.

The dancers are no strangers to winning. They have competed at state for more than a decade now, winning a total of 17 state championships. And last year, they won in four categories, which they are hoping to continue.

Head coach Kaci Harper told the Chronicle she has had a lot of proud moments with the team, but watching their confidence grow has been the best feeling.

"Watching a dancer realize ‘Whoa, I can actually do this,’ that’s the best part of coaching," she said. "One thing I love about this team is the attitude. They show up, they push each other, and they genuinely care about growing — not just as dancers, but as people. The culture is everything, and they created it.”

Coach Harper said none of this would be possible without their amazing choreographers and coaching staff, Roxanna Johnson and Madisyn Harper.

When asked about what she is most excited about, senior Abby Schoning said "getting to compete on the state floor one last time with the best team."

“This season we have worked really hard and the bond this team has grown so much over the last six months," she said. "I wouldn’t want to go out with any other team and I am so grateful for the last four years!”

The statewide competition, which is hosted by the Iowa State Dance Team Association, has been held for the last 50 years. According to ISDTA, the routines are evaluated by industry professionals from around the country, with performers earning points for choreography, execution, difficulty and showmanship.

Stay tuned for results from Thursday's performances.