The Hastings Dance Team spent the weekend doing what it does best, taking the floor with confidence, energy, and steady improvement, and coming home with results that showed it.
After a full day of competition, the team reflected on a performance that blended strong placements with meaningful growth. As one team statement summed it up, “We had such a fun day yesterday and we are beyond proud of all the routines we put on the floor.”
The junior varsity jazz team delivered one of the day’s top results, finishing second out of nine teams. Varsity jazz followed closely behind, earning third place in a field of 11. Both routines showed the payoff of weeks of preparation, with clean execution and consistent scoring across judges.
While varsity kick did not place in the top five, the performance marked an important step forward. The team’s stated goal was not medals but progress, and that goal was met. Scores improved from previous outings, reinforcing that the team is moving in the right direction as the postseason approaches.
The invitational carried extra weight because of who was in attendance. Many of the teams Hastings will see again at sections were on the same floor. Nine of the 13 schools in the section competed at the event, giving Hastings a valuable early look at the competition and a clearer sense of where it stands heading into the most important part of the season.
That momentum will carry into a busy stretch ahead. The team’s next event is a home showcase designed to prepare dancers for sections and give the community a chance to see the routines one last time before postseason competition. The showcase will also be a milestone moment for the junior varsity dancers, as it will be their final performance of the season.
The showcase will preview both varsity routines headed to sections and will include appearances from the mini and junior programs, adding to the energy of the night and celebrating the full dance program.
The home showcase is scheduled for Jan. 26 at Hastings High School, beginning at 7 p.m. From there, the focus turns fully to sections, set for Feb. 7 at Northfield High School.
With solid placements, rising scores, and a clear plan ahead, the Hastings Dance Team continues to build toward its postseason goals, one performance at a time.