OLHS Dance Team dominates Regionals, makes it to States

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The OLHS Dance Team after their win at Regionals.

Ryan Schwieger, Staff Writer and Photographer

After being placed in the top category of performances at the Central division OASSA Cheer and Dance Regional competition, the OLHS Dance Team is now officially moving on to the State competition. 

 

The Liberty Dance competition squad, composed of 7, dominated in their category with their Jazz-styled routine, against other dance teams from schools such as Westerville North, Logan, Anstonia, Strongsville, and Marietta. 

 

“Our competition went really well, I think we were all a bit nervous because a lot of teams weren’t qualifying for states, so we were all super relieved when we heard we were moving on.” said Kate Varchetti ‘23, who co-captains the team along with Clare Mountcastle ‘24. 

 

Other members of the competition team include Addie Williams, Josie Imholz, Kaitlyn Albert, Kimaya Chaubal and Ava Knight. 

 

This marks the 2nd year in a row the team has qualified for states, and only the 2nd year the team has done competitions. This win marks another huge step for the dance team, especially with how relatively new their program is. The team was formed only 4 years ago in 2019, with Varchetti as one of the founding members.

 

“Dancers didn’t have a way of getting involved at [Liberty], and we wanted that to change,” said Varchetti. 

 

The team began with humble beginnings, starting from practicing Sunday nights off school grounds and occasionally being asked to perform for basketball half-times, to performing at varsity football games and competing in state-wide competitions. 

 

“If you had told me four years ago when we started this group that we would be where we are today, I’d think you were crazy.”

 

While the dance team is similar to the OLHS cheer squad in some ways, their competitions and dance styles are vastly different and unique, with a focus on rhythm and coordinated elaborate movements vs cheerleading’s stunting and gymnastics.

 

“During the Fall season we do sideline dance routines similar to OSU’s dance team, and during our competition season we have a routine we prepare throughout the year.”said squad member Chaubal ‘24. “Our routines feature several tricks, including lifts, turns, and kip ups (a type of acrobatic move).” 

 

The team has a steep road ahead for them if they hope to take home 1st in their category, with the best highschool dance teams in the state battling it out. But regardless of how the team will perform, its members could not be happier with how the team has progressed.

 

“I am so excited to see the team continue to grow and accomplish great things for many years to come, and I am looking forward to States.” said Varchetti.

 

Show your Liberty school spirit and go support the girls at the State competition on January 28th at Westerville North HS, tickets can be purchased online using this link