By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
The Panorama Dance Team brought home a load of awards from the state competition this fall. Coach Kristi Vance shared her thoughts and details on the team.
“As a coach, I couldn’t be prouder of this team for their commitment and hard work, Vance said. “Their season started in June when the team went to their first-ever camp at Iowa State University. Knowing we had lost five seniors the year prior, we went into the season with a very young team. The freshmen brought talent and determination. They have put in countless hours and came on to the state floor a unified team. I look forward to their future as a team.”
The awards earned by the Panorama team and individuals include:
- Distinguished Academic Award: given to teams with a 3.5 – 4.0 GPA
- Lois Turnage Outstanding Community Service Award
- All four routines received Division 1 Ratings
- 1st Place State Champs: Jazz
- 1st Place State Champs: Contemporary
- 2nd Place: Lyrical
- 6th Place: The M.I.X. (a new category at state)
- Individual State – Cali Knudsen and Nella Rivas qualified for state on Oct. 25 at the state qualifier held in Newton. Both are freshmen. Cali Knudsen 9th, Nella Rivas 3rd
- Be Bold Award for creative and impactful choreography! Contemporary
- Lifetime Achievement Award – Coach Vance (awarded to one coach across the state of Iowa annually).
Under Coach Vance, Panorama has brought home 17 state team titles and 10 individual state champions since 2007.