EllieCusick

From attending Creighton Prep football games to Marian showcases, girls have been showing their support to the Marian dance team throughout the year. Even miles away, Marian girls continued to cheer on the dance team when they competed at Nationals in Orlando, Florida. Throughout the weekend of Feb. 3 to Feb. 5, the team competed numerous times, eventually making it to the semi-finals. Scoring an 86 in pom and an 87 in jazz both out of a possible 100 points, senior Payton Vosik’s fourth and final year on the dance team is certainly one she’s proud of. 

“The team was overall more motivated to do better, and this is the best we’ve done since 2018 by getting both of our dances in the semi-finals,” Vosik said. The team has been preparing for the competition all year long. “We have to be at practice putting our 100% in,” Vosik said. From practicing four days a week, to running extra miles, to taking technique classes outside of the Marian gym, the team was determined to make this year’s competition at Nationals one to remember. 

Although Nationals was a success for the team, it provides more opportunities than just showcasing their skills. Sophomore Sofia Shoemaker has gained many valuable skills and memories from Nationals. “I learned a lot about how far I can push myself, and what I can bring to the team. In a very high stress situation you just learn a little more about yourself,” Shoemaker said. 

While learning more about herself, Nationals also gave Shoemaker and her teammates the opportunity to grow closer. “Since we already do a lot of team bonding, obviously in practice and outside of practice, what I get out of it is bonding more with the coaches,” Shoemaker said. By making it to the semi-finals and bonding with the team, the dance team’s experience at Nationals was one for the books. “I think Nationals this year was probably my best experience. I think we made a lot of memories,” Vosik said.