News : Voyagers dance again at VS

Voyagers perform their routine during halftime Tuesday; they compete this week at State.

Amanda Burkey

The VS Voyagers have returned; these seven will compete at State event this weekend.

Three years after budget constraints compelled Vinton-Shellsburg administrators to temporarily cut funding for the VSHS Voyagers dance team, the Voyagers are back.

Coach Melanie Davis and seven dancers have been working on their routine in preparation for this week's State contest. The girls will perform at 11:35 a.m. tomorrow in Hy-Vee Hall.

The dancers performed during half-time of the JV and Varsity girls basketball games Tuesday in Vinton.

Members of this year's team include Kyra Blix, Caitlin Kruckenberg, Daisy Johnson, Amanda Burkey, Kierra Howard, Rachel Nugent, and Kristen Halstead.

"I am extremely proud of all the hard work and commitment every single one of us has for the team, and I'm very happy to be a part of it," said Blix.

About the event

The 2014 Iowa State Dance Team Championship will be held at Wells Fargo Arena and Hyvee Hall on Thursday, Dec. 5 and Friday , Dec. 6.

There will be over 5000 participants representing 278 high school dance team and color guards. Routines will be performed and judged in several categories: Pom, jazz, novelty, lights, military, hip hop, lyrical, hoopla, prop, kick, show production, color guard, all-male, coed and College level.

The teams ate judged by an expert panel of judges from across the United States. The judges scores are based on appearance, choreography, execution, technique, and general effect/showmanship. Teams will be awarded Division I, II, III ratings along with trophy placements for those teams with the highest point totals. Teams are also recognized for academics, community service and sportsmanship.

The Voyager Dance Team will be competing against 12 other teams in the pom division.