Phillips dance team goes to state

For the first time in several years the Phillips High School Dance Team made it to the State Dance Championships state competition on Feb.2-3 at the LaCrosse Center. The team placed 12th among 24 teams in the Wisconsin Association of Cheer/Pom Coaches Inc., where the dancers competed in jazz, kick and pom events.

The members, Christopher Randrup, Caitlin Pesko and Emma Davis, reached the state tournament by placing sixth at the Northern Regional tournament held at D.C. Everest Area School District on Jan. 26 in Schofield. Coach Sarah Pisca enlisted former dance coach Bonnie Calkins to choreograph the routine as an experienced and outstanding dancer.

“We have not been to state for Pom since 2002, when I was on the team as a sophomore,” Pisca said. “We were also only a team of three dancers — the smallest team at each competition (this year).”

Coming from a school and town that does not offer dance until these kids are 14 years old makes this a major accomplishment to have even made it to the state event, she said. Most of the state competition caliber schools have private dance studios or even offer elementary and middle school dance teams.

“Most teams also go year round, having their tryouts in April and performing at football games as well as basketball games and competitions,” Pisca said. “We knew that, realistically, we would not place well at state, but we’re so grateful to have earned the opportunity to even perform there.”

Team Captain Christopher Randrup is a senior who is described as a “very talented and dedicated dancer,” by Corcilius. Without any prior formal dance experience he quickly developed into a great leader, showman and captain.

“He really deserved a state performance,” she said.

All three dancers worked extremely hard this season, she said. They dedicated extra time to practices, even on weekends.

“They had the drive and determination to make state, as we have been really close in the past,” Pisca said.