Does hard work always pay off?  The Blaine Dance Team learned the answer to this question when they competed in the section tournament on Saturday afternoon at Elk River High School.  The Bengalettes placed third in kick and second in jazz, advancing them to the State competition on February 14th and 15th at the Target Center.

It wasn’t exactly an easy road getting there however.  With losses to teams they usually beat, many changes being made to their routine throughout the season, and some complications with coming together as a team, the Bengalettes pushed through to reach their ultimate goal of State.

“It wasn’t until a week before sections that we completely pulled together as a team” said senior captain Karissa Bolton.  “We all love each other to death, that wasn’t the problem.  The problem may have been that we were out their dancing for ourselves sometimes, not necessarily for each other.”  After several motivational talks with their coaches, the Bengalettes realized that dancing as one, rather than as individuals is the key to success.  “You have to learn to trust not only yourself, but your teammates as well.  Trust that they trust you back, trust in their abilities, and trust in their desire of wanting State as much as you want it too,” said Bolton.

After setting their sights on the goal of State, the Bengalettes pushed extra hard at practice leading up to sections.  “For the first time, you could tell that they wanted it,” said head varsity coach Trina Develice, “that is what sets your team apart from all the other teams at sections, who wants it the most? The judges can tell that when they are watching.”

Dance team is not just about technique.  The Bengalettes have learned that throughout their season and will continue on with that attitude on their trek to State in two weeks. Their favorite thing to tell each other before they compete is a simple phrase that comes from the song they dance to, “I won’t give up if you don’t give up.”  That saying couldn’t be more fitting when it comes to dancing for your team rather than for yourself.