As the Northwest Varsity Dance team wraps up their season, they are reflecting on an impressive list of accomplishments. The team consists of 15 highly trained high school girls ranging from freshman to seniors. 9 of the 15 were previously on Waukee’s Varsity team, which made the transition to a new school a little bit easier.

Summer Success

The season kicked off with a trip to Omaha, Nebraska to compete and learn halftime routines at the Universal Dance Association’s summer camp. They spent more than 20 hours learning dances for their state and national competitions. They also prepared for their performances as Waukee Northwest’s four home football games in the fall of 2021. The girls described the games “unlike any opportunity they will ever be able to experience again.” 

Great Performance at State Tournament

On December 3rd, the team competed at the Iowa State Dance Team Association’s state competition. The Wolves competed in two of the toughest categories.  They placed 1st in class III Contemporary and 2nd in class XIII Pom. Six dancers also competed in the State Solo Competition. Jordan Dawson (senior) placed 1st, Addisyn Smith (freshman) placed 4th, Cami Massicotte (sophomore) placed 5th, Katelyn Lookingbill (senior) placed 7th and Victoria Adams (sophomore) placed 8th. This was the best outcome of state solos in Waukee history. 

In early January, the group traveled to UDA’s Spirit of America’s Regional Competition in Minneapolis. The girls achieved great success and received first place in all three categories they competed in: medium varsity Gameday, Pom and Jazz. This competition was a major confidence booster for the team as they prepared for their national competition.

National Championships

All of the team’s hard work led the Wolves to the premier event on their schedule.  The Wolves flew to Orlando, Florida to compete in the National Dance Team Competition presented by UDA. Once they arrived, they practiced tirelessly until it was competition time. The team advanced through the preliminary round, the semi-final round and the final round. This was the first time in Waukee history that the Dance Team had made it to finals in Gameday, Pom and Jazz. After three days of competition, Gameday secured 5th place, Pom 5th, and Jazz 15th.

“It was the perfect ending. I am so proud of all that this team has accomplished,” says senior Katelyn Lookingbill.

Congratulations to the Waukee Northwest Dance team on a tremendous season!!