Binghamton HS dancers prepare for championship competition

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) — For the first time since it launched a full-fledged dance program, Binghamton High School is fielding a team for competition.

The team of select dancers will compete in the Central New York Championship of the United States Tournament of Dance taking place at Binghamton University’s Anderson Center from May 31st to June 2nd.

The students will compete in the jazz, contemporary and hip-hop categories. Captain Shawn Gibson says a year’s worth of hard work is about to pay off.

“We’ve been here every day, we’ve been working hard, trying new things, new techniques, practicing, doing what we’ve got to do. Not only for ourselves, but for each other. And I think that’s the most important part of being a competitive dance team.”

“Our hip-hop here is definitely our strength. I feel like we’re definitely going to wow the judges with that one and our intensity. And also, I feel like we do a lot of tricks so that’s going to be really awesome. Our passion, I’m super excited. I feel like we will definitely wow the judges,” dance team member Olivia Ehmke said.

Binghamton will likely field the only public school-based team going up against private dance studios from across the region.

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