The Linganore Pom and Dance team traveled to the Towson SECU Arena Saturday, March 21 for the MAPDA State Dance Competition.

Though they placed first for each dance at every competition prior to States, the team faced stiff competition. Opponents included those from neighboring schools such as Urbana High School and Oakdale High School, along with eleven other competitive high school dance teams from Maryland.

The team competed six dances including pom, hip hop, lyrical, jazz, total package (a mixture of all genres of dance), and high kick. After a long day of kicks, turns, leaps, and performing, all teams gathered on the basketball court to listen to awards.

The team sat in a large circle holding hands in anticipation, and they were not disappointed. They took first place for their pom, lyrical, hip hop, and total package performances. They placed second for their jazz routine. First place captain awards were also given to Moe de la Viez, Olivia DuBro, and Jenn Berardi.

Aside from their team awards, juniors Gail Montgomery and Maggie Hall took second and third place medals (respectively) for their performance in the competition “Spin-Off.”

Already extremely pleased with their awards, the team listened for the final award of the afternoon: the overall winner of the Division II championship. The team with the highest scoring dance of the competition not only receives the glory of a win and an enormous trophy, but a $500 check. The team also moves to Division I the following season. The judges of the competition broke the heavy silence and anticipation as they called out Linganore’s name for their lyrical performance.

“It goes without saying that yesterday was an overwhelming success for all!  I am so proud of what this group of ladies have been able to accomplish this past year.  They are truly inspirational!” says coach Michele Richardson.

The trophies are currently displayed in Mrs. Richardson’s classroom, and the team members are wearing their warm-up jackets to school to celebrate their successes.