Dance team pre-season is wrapping up and there will be a ton of debut performances statewide this week and weekend. 35 teams will all have performed (jazz) this week before we even hit the premier invitationals on Saturday. If you haven’t been checking out the composite scores page, things are going to get interesting on there real quick….as if you needed another reason to be glued to a smartphone/tablet/screen. It’s a pretty fun toy though huh? Here’s a quick preview of what we’ve got coming up this weekend:
Maple Grove Invitational: The biggest meet of the weekend will be at MG where all 3 classes will have a significant showing. In AAA we’ll see the return of state champs and hosts Maple Grove go up against some conference competition from the night before and throw in some up and comers from Duluth East and Prior Lake as well. Robbinsdale Armstrong will be fielding a team for the first time since 2008 – so that will be a nice welcome back. In AA, Sartell will be making a competitive debut against a solid field. I’ll be wanting to check out the Orono jazz performance under their new coach Allison Bridges (formerly Hopkins coach) – they will be up against section rival Mound Westonka who always brings something beautiful. In class A, new sectional matchups will happen when Duluth Marshall makes the trip down to see Pelican Rapids, Pierz, and Crosby.
Burnsville Invitational: The annual “Spark” invite will pit host Burnsville against top state rival Brainerd to start off our kick matchups for the year in high style. Eden Prairie, Spring Lake Park, and Forest Lake will all be ones to see in the jazz division here.
Shakopee Invitational: Lakeville North and Hopkins will be an interesting jazz matchup at this small meet of diverse players. Everyone is all together, A, AA, and AAA so anything can and will happen here.