2026 Iowa State Dance Team Championships

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[Andrea Dana] I'm Andrea Dana, Executive Director of the Iowa State Dance and Drill Team Association. This competition mars the ISDTA's 50th anniversary. From a modest beginning in 1976, when only 9 teams competed, this competition has grown to become one of the nation's largest and most prestigious events of its kind.

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[Stacie Horton] This year, the tradition of excellence continues as nearly 5,000 dance athletes from across the state bring their best to the performance floor. I'm Stacie Horton, Board President at the ISDTA. Although we've witnessed many changes, what stayed the same is our vision of cultivating student growth and achievement through the art and athleticism of dance. 

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[Scott Enyart] Join us in celebrating five decades of dedication, tradition and impact as this year's competition continues the legacy. I'm Event Announcer Scott Enyart. Here now are highlights of all the winning routines and busy backstage action in this exclusive presentation of the 2026 Iowa State Dance Team Championships.

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[Enyart] We begin with our champions in Class I Pom, Bishop Garrigan. Second place Storm Lake St. Mary's. Third place was Lone Tree. West Bend-Mallard placed fourth. And Springville placed fifth. Over the three days of state competition the teams compete at Casey's Center and the EMC Expo Center in Des Moines. This year 245 high school team competed and this marks the 19th year for our college competition. We begin with Bishop Garrigan in the EMC Expo Center. 

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[Dana] So, at our competition we have fourteen classes of pom. Class I is our smallest schools in our state. 

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[Dana] Bishop Garrigan is really bringing the energy to this pom routine. It's very entertaining. 

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[Horton] Their black sequin costuming really popping on this floor. 

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[Enyart] Nice group work in features in that little section at the end. 

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[Enyart] We now move into Class II Pom with our champions from Baxter. Second place was Kingsley-Pierson. North Linn placed third. In fourth place was Newman Catholic. And in fifth place was West Monona.

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[Horton] Baxter is a really small team but a very mighty team. It always looks like they have more numbers on the floor than they really do. They do such a nice job of using the floor space.

[Dana] Nice display of technique there. 

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[Enyart] Nice fun, creative transition there. 

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[Dana] Great job, Baxter!

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[Enyart] We now move over to the Casey's Center with our champions in Class III Pom, West Fork. Second place was Mount Ayr. Akron-Westfield came in third. Woodbury Central placed fourth. And in fifth place was Westwood.

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[Horton] I love the color blocking of West Fork's costuming. It plays so well with the pom visuals. 

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[Dana] And speaking of costumes, so this is not your traditional look for pom, but it's working really well for West Fork.

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[Dana] So, in the pom category judges are looking for strong pom technique, strong sharp movements throughout and visual and West Fork is displaying every bit of that. Beautiful turns there in center. 

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[Enyart] South Hamilton celebrated a championship in Class IV Pom. Second place was Lisbon. Nodaway Valley placed third. Fourth place was Riverside. And Maquoketa Valley came in fifth. 

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[Dana] I just love that they are bringing the party to the floor. Whether they're a cupcake or ice cream cone, I'm loving the costumes and the theme. 

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[Enyart] And it was neat that they honored our 50th year of ISDTA State Championships through their music and their choreography.

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[Horton] Love all the unique transitions happening during their pom too. 

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[Enyart] Our first-place team in Class V Pom was Manson Northwest Webster. Second place was East Sac County. Third place was Central Lyon. Alta-Aurelia came in fourth. And in fifth place was Sioux Central. 

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[Enyart] Such sharp, clean, crisp pom movements throughout this performance. Very well executed. 

[Horton] You hear them adding a few vocals in there as a team just to punch that extra energy.

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[Enyart] They carried out a theme throughout this performance between their costuming, music and choreography of the flying theme. 

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[Dana] And I love their poms. This fluffy pom trend is so fun. They just look like little fluff balls in their hands. 

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[Dana] Amazing job with those transitions. 

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[Enyart] We now move into the Jazz category with our champions in Class I. This is North Linn. Second place was North Union. Remsen St. Mary's placed third. Winfield-Mt Union came in fourth. And in fifth place was Ar-We-Va.

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[Dana] So, our class sizes are determined based on school enrollment size. So, Class I Jazz here we have our smallest schools competing against each other. 

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[Enyart] They do a great job of having fun and expressing themselves with their smiles. They really enjoy this performance. 

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[Dana] That was a great lift there in the center. Nice team work there. 

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[Horton] Love the energy!

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[Enyart] West Fork earned first place in Class II Jazz. Second place was Panorama. Third place was Central Lyon. Fourth place South Hamilton. And Riverside placed fifth.

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[Dana] I just love the classiness of this costume and the style and approach that they are taking with this routine. 

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[Horton] They're executing with such power. 

[Enyart] And then also performing with grace. It's a very unique combination that helps earn them the top spot. 

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[Dana] And in jazz that's what the judges are looking for, that interpretation of the music through stylized dance movements. 

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[Enyart] And now we move into Class III Jazz with our champions from Monticello. Second place was Kuemper Catholic. Alburnett placed third. Albia came in fourth. And in fifth place was OA-BCIG.

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[Horton] I really love the gloves as a part of this costuming. It accentuates all of those jazz arm motions. 

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[Dana] Nice transition there also spotlighting different talent on the team. 

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[Enyart] And the choreography really accentuates the under beat of the piece of music. 

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[Enyart] The next performance we see is Kuemper Catholic. They earned a Judge's Choice Award for this jazz routine in Class II Jazz. 

[Dana] So, each year our judges get to choose routines that they want to recognize as routines they enjoyed for their entertainment value or they were memorable, for example. And these routines are not always first place routines. So, congratulations to Kuemper Catholic.

[Horton] So much sass going on in this routine. I love it. 

[Dana] And the pop of purple there in the middle. Yes, girl!

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[Dana] There's a lot of dancers on this team so that takes a lot of extra practice to get in unison and technique all the same. (music)

[Horton] Love the movement of the lift. 

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[Enyart] We now move into the Hoopla category with our champions in Class I. This is 

Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn. Second place was Manson Northwest Webster. Newell-Fonda placed third. Alta-Aurelia placed fourth. 

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[Dana] Our hoopla category is unique to Iowa. It's truly a hoop with mylar streamers tied to the hoop. As you can see here, there's multiple colors making it more visual. 

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[Dana] I love this part. It makes it look like they're flying. 

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[Horton] Nice strong arm movements with full extension on those arms is key in this hoopla category. 

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[Enyart] Sioux City West was crowned the champion in Class II Hoopla. Second place was ADM. And in third place was Storm Lake. 

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[Dana] I love how fast paced this routine is. They're doing a fantastic job. And this center line ripple work, love it!

[Horton] You can see that they have chosen a smaller hoopla and added a little bit of fun fringe to it as well.

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[Enyart] Visit iowapbs.org to watch the 2026 Iowa State Dance Team Championships. While you're there, check out the exclusive features and behind-the-scenes moments. 

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[Dana] Very unique piece of choreography right there. 

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[Enyart] Up next is New Hampton, our Class I Prop champion. Second place was Grundy Center. Pella Christian placed third. And in fourth place was Clayton Ridge. New Hampton also earned a Judge's Choice Award for this unique prop performance. 

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[Dana] And this prop, it's a dryer vent. Who would have thought?

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[Horton] I'm always amazed with the creativity of theses coaches and what they can come up with. 

[Dana] I'm guessing there's some HVAC friends that had no idea that their dryer vents would be used in a prop routine. And the music selection is spot on. 

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[Dana] In the prop category, routines are to manipulate the prop. That is the emphasis and they are certainly doing that here. 

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[Enyart] And our champion in Class II Prop was Knoxville. Second place was Marshalltown. 

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[Dana] And in this routine they have a variety of props from the magic scarves, the top hats and more. 

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[Enyart] The ol' magic card trick.

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[Horton] Amazing job, Knoxville!

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[Enyart] Buckle your seatbelts for our next performance as we move into Class I Hip Hop. This is Springville. Second place was Ar-We-Va. Third place Montezuma. Baxter placed fourth. And fifth place was Glidden-Ralston. Here you see Springville carrying out the theme of crash test dummies. 

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[Horton] They do a great job with their levels and really getting that wide stance in second position.

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[Dana] Hip Hop is a pretty popular category for our teams. It's the second largest category of competition to Pom.

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[Enyart] It's always fun to see the kids get into the theme of the music. It helps them perform just that much better. 

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[Enyart] Moving into Class II Hip Hop with our champion West Fork. Second place was Newman Catholic. North Linn placed third. Fourth place was West Monona. And in fifth place was IKM-Manning.

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[Dana] Such a strong performance. All their movements are exaggerated yet controlled. 

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[Dana] Such a great performance, West Fork!

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[Enyart] Waterloo Columbus Catholic earned top honors in Class III Hip Hop. Second place was Lawton-Bronson. Third place was Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn. Ridge View placed fourth. And Central Decatur came in fifth. 

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[Horton] Nice timing with the tricks. 

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[Dana] I love the sweatshirts, but it does make the dancers have to really exaggerate their movements. 

[Enyart] They execute well with their big movements. 

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[Dana] They're having a lot of fun with this one!

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[Enyart] We now move into our category of Color Guard performances with our Class I champions, IKM-Manning. Second place was Garner-Hayfield/Ventura. Roland Story placed third. Pleasantville came in fourth. And Louisa-Muscatine placed fifth. IKM-Manning earned a Judge's Choice Award for this unique and strong performance. 

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[Dana] Our color guard teams compete on Wednesday, which is our first day of the state competition.

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[Dana] Color guard teams have the option to put down a floor covering to enhance their performance. It is certainly not required. But as you can see here, IKM-Manning does have a solid black floor enhancing their production.

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[Horton] Our color guard category really focuses on things such as the flags and rifles and really that manipulation of the equipment they use. 

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[Enyart] Up next is Pella, the champions in Class II Color Guard. Second place was Glenwood. MOC-Floyd Valley placed third. Fourth place was Oskaloosa. And in fifth place was North Polk. 

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[Enyart] Pella earned a Judge's Choice Award for this performance. 

[Dana] I love how they're incorporating the silks and the rifles simultaneously. And what a unique approach to the color guard choreography as well with this music. Throwing it back. I can greatly appreciate it. 

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[Horton] Incredible variety here and they're in such great unison.

[Enyart] Great execution on the difficulty. 

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[Horton] Great performance, Pella!

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[Enyart] And our champion in Class III Color Guard was Ankeny Centennial. Iowa City Liberty placed second. And in third place was Dubuque Senior. 

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[Dana] I love how they're using just the flag pole, it's very visual. And then the pop of gold. It's beautiful!

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[Horton] Great synchronization and group work. 

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[Enyart] Beautiful section right here. Nice unison work. Great visuals and execution.

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[Dana] In October, nearly 950 soloists competed for their chance to advance to state finals. Here's a look at some of our solo champions' encore performances. 

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[Enyart] Our Class I Color Guard Solo champion was Kaylee Nguyen from Louisa-Muscatine.

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[Enyart] The Class II Color Guard Solo champion was Naomi Dunsbergen from Pella.

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[Enyart] We had a special Beyond Limits performance from Cheyenne Hoffman from Western Dubuque.

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[Enyart] Our Class I Dance Solo champion was Sydney Hibbs from Baxter.

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[Enyart] The Class II Dance Solo champion was Kylin Johnson from West Fork.

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[Enyart] The Class III Dance Solo champion was Elsie Oedekoven from Central Lyon.

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[Enyart] The Class IV Dance Solo champion was Addisyn Leonard from West Central Valley. 

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[Enyart] And we had a special Beyond Limits performance by Taylor Crank from Le Mars. 

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[Enyart] And now back to the team action with our champion in Class I of The M.I.X., West Fork. Second place was Panorama. MFL MarMac placed third. Bellevue came in fourth. And in fifth place was AGWSR.

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[Dana] So, this is our second year with this brand new category that we created, The M.I.X., which is the music interpretation experiment. It's the ultimate dance team challenge showcasing a team's creativity using a combination of two to five styles of dance, pom, jazz, hip hop, kick or military and they are all dancing to a one minute and thirty second song provided by ISDTA.

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[Horton] This is always such a fun category to watch to see what the teams and coaches created to the same piece of music.

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[Dana] The score sheet is slightly different for The M.I.X.. We actually put more emphasis on the choreography and execution than in other categories.

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[Enyart] We move back into the Pom category with our champion from Class VI. This is Alburnett. Second place was Waterloo Columbus Catholic. Third place was Pella Christian. West Central Valley placed fourth. And in fifth place was Iowa City Regina. 

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[Dana] They just float across the floor in their transitions making it really smooth, seamless.

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[Dana] And their body angles and levels are spot on. Well done!

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[Enyart] Great spacing in that formation there. 

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[Enyart] Monticello placed first in Class VII Pom. In second place was Iowa Falls-Alden. Eagle Grove placed third. PCM came in fourth. And in fifth place was Mediapolis. 

[Horton] Incredible highlights. They really opened with a lot of power and they're continuing that.

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[Dana] And this is a fast tempo and they're keeping up.

[Enyart] That fast tempo helps make those movements that much more crisp and clean.

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[Dana] Great job, Monticello!

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[Enyart] Davenport Assumption earned top honors in Class VIII Pom. Second place was Wahlert Catholic. Des Moines Christian placed third. In fourth place was Humboldt. And in fifth place Clear Lake. 

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[Enyart] So sharp, clean, powerful throughout this performance. 

[Dana] And the intensity is brought by every single dancer making it stand out. 

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[Enyart] The champion in Class IX Pom was Grinnell. Second place Wilton. Third place was Knoxville. Bishop Heelan placed fourth. And Harlan came in fifth. 

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[Dana] Grinnell only has seven on the floor, but man, the number of formations and movement in the choreography really makes them look like a larger team. For competition, you have to have a minimum of six dancers on the floor. 

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[Enyart] They have very clean intentional pom movements as well. 

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[Dana] Great energy!

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[Enyart] Xavier earned first place in Class X Pom. Second place was Ballard. Oskaloosa placed third. Mount Pleasant placed fourth. And in fifth place was Keokuk. 

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[Dana] I feel like there's a lot of wow moments throughout this entire routine. The technique is spectacular. Well done!

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[Enyart] We now move into our Novelty category with North Mahaska, the champions in Class I. Second place was Springville. Third place was Wapello. And in fourth place was Mount Ayr. 

[Horton] Loving this McDonald's theme with the headsets on. Makes you feel like you're right at the drive up.

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[Enyart] Visit iowapbs.org to watch the 2026 Iowa State Dance Team Championships. While you're there, check out the exclusive features and behind the scenes moments. 

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[Dana] Our novelty category is where a routine tells a story and carries out a theme. 

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[Horton] Shout out to all these parents who help create these props to make these routines happen.

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[Dana] And who knew there was a song about French fries? 

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[Enyart] The champion in Class II Novelty was Central Lyon. Second place was Alta-Aurelia. Third place was MMCRU. Ridge View placed fourth. And South Central Calhoun placed fifth. 

[Horton] Okay, I'm getting hungry.

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[Horton] These props are really elaborate. 

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[Enyart] Holy cow!

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[Dana] And these dancers are really getting into it, even the cows.

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[Dana] The nice thing with novelty is you do still have to be dancing and carrying out the theme and they're doing a really nice job. 

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[Enyart] Mediapolis cooked up a championship in Class III Novelty. Second place was Sergeant Bluff-Luton. Third place Estherville Lincoln Central. Algona placed fourth. And Union came in fifth. 

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[Enyart] Take me to Italy for some pizza for sure. Fun routine. Lots of different props to help carry out their pizza theme.

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[Horton] Rolling out the pizza dough on the right hand side here. 

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[Dana] And they're incorporating some jazz and kick. It's a nice variety and fun.

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[Enyart] The champion in Class IV Novelty was Mason City. Second place was Waverly-Shell Rock. And Ames placed third. Mason City earned a Judge's Choice Award for this amazing performance! So well costumed and the backdrops, everything just enhances this performance. 

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[Horton] The three dancers in the background also challenging for them to dance on those props. 

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[Horton] Love the personality the dancers are throwing into this specific music selection.

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[Enyart] I just love all the colors and the levels and how they're using the floor to tell the story.

[Horton] And how much fun they're having with it.

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[Horton] Great job, Mason City!

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[Dana] In celebration of ISDTA's 50th anniversary, we honored our past by welcoming the next generation to the floor. 

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[Dana] The dancers are in grades four through seven and we had 60 dancers perform on Thursday and 100 on Friday. 

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[Dana] All of the dancers have relatives who have been involved as dancers or coaches with the ISDTA, representing third and fourth generations. 

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[Enyart] We resume highlighting the champions in each of our categories with our Class I Lyrical champion, Riverside. Second place was Bellevue. Third place Adair Casey-Guthrie Center. And Lone Tree placed fourth.

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[Dana] In our lyrical division we're really looking for emphasis on the lyrical style, fluid movements based in the foundation of ballet and the emotion in telling a story through the music that they're dancing to. Riverside is doing a great job. 

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[Horton] Love the partner work throughout the routine. 

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[Enyart] Centerville earned top honors in Class II Lyrical. Second place was Hinton. Panorama placed third. And Southeast Valley came in fourth. 

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[Dana] These costumes really compliment the turns and the movement and the flow of the choreography. 

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[Horton] Great timing on the turns.

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[Enyart] In Class III Lyrical, Bondurant-Farrar was crowned the champion. Second place was Oskaloosa. Lewis Central placed third. Ballard came in fourth. And Davenport Assumption placed fifth. 

[Horton] Very unique team lift there at the beginning. Very challenging. They pulled it off. 

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[Dana] Great control and strength.

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[Enyart] Waukee Northwest earned first place in Class IV Lyrical. Des Moines Roosevelt placed second. In third place was Dowling Catholic. And in fourth place was Dubuque Senior. 

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[Horton] Waukee Northwest dances with such control and power. You can see the strength in every movement and every transition. 

[Enyart] And they transition to some very unique formations. 

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[Horton] All the attention to details here from head motions to the hand motions to the focus. Very impressive. 

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[Dana] And their team turns are outstanding. So well done. Wow!

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[Enyart] And now we move into our Co-ed division with Oskaloosa who was crowned champion. Second place was North Fayette Valley. 

[Dana] In the Co-ed division we are looking for partner dancing. And these boys are doing a fantastic job. 

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[Horton] The crowd in the Casey's Center really reacts well to these co-ed teams. 

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[Dana] What's unique with co-ed, we are crowning the champions right after they perform because these young men need to get back to their schools for their other sporting events. 

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[Dana] The Lights category requires a darkened venue making it difficult to capture for television. Here is our tribute to this year's first place routines.

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[Enyart] The champion in Class I Lights was Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn. Second place was Western Christian. Third place was South O'Brien. And fourth place was Lynnville-Sully.

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[Enyart] And the champion in Class II Lights was Creston. Second place was Hampton-Dumont-CAL. And Sergeant Bluff-Luton placed third.

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[Enyart] The following teams earned a Judge's Choice Award at this year's contest. IKM-Manning, Pella, MFL Mar-Mac, Kuemper Catholic, New Hampton, Ankeny, Mason City and Des Moines Roosevelt. In College, the Judge's Choice Awards were given to Iowa Western Community College, St. Ambrose, Central and the University of Northern Iowa. 

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[Enyart] This year, 13 teams received the Lois Turnage Outstanding Community Service Award. Collectively they put in 3,615 community service hours. 

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[Enyart] This year's Senior Scholarship Recipients were Claire Susemihl, Becca Winegardner, Wrigley Mancha, Mili Mancha, Avery Dycus, Lillian Morey, Ella Larson, Isabelle Karwal, Charlotte Boelter, Brooklynn Hupke and Madalyn Van Kley. Here now are more of our solo champions' encore performances. Our Class V Dance Solo Champion was Ella Boysen from OA-BCIG.

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[Enyart] In Class VI, our Dance Solo champion was Carysn Gael from Wahlert Catholic. 

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[Enyart] The Class VII Solo Dance champion was Logan Till from Ballard. 

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[Enyart] And our Class VIII Dance Solo champion was Piper Klein from Boone. 

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[Enyart] We had a special Beyond Limits performance by Ellie Wiskus from Pella. 

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[Enyart] And now back to our team competition with our champions in Class II of The M.I.X., Eagle Grove. Second place was Kuemper Catholic. OA-BCIG came in third. Central Lee placed fourth. And in fifth place was Western Christian. My name is Scott Enyart, along with Andrea Dana and Stacie Horton bringing you highlights of the 2026 Iowa State Dance Team Championships. 

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[Dana] Fun little fact -- Eagle Grove is wearing their original costumes from 25 years ago. 

[Enyart] What a fantastic nod to our 50 years of state competition here in Iowa. 

[Horton] And they still present beautifully on the floor. 

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[Enyart] We move back into the Jazz category with our Class IV champion Wahlert Catholic. Second place was Centerville. Third place was Chariton. Des Moines Christian placed fourth. And in fifth place was Knoxville. Very strong opening here by Wahlert Catholic. 

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[Dana] And overall a classy routine from their choreography, costume choices, a lot of wow moments and technically strong. 

[Horton] Look at the passion in their faces. That performance level for each dancer is there. 

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[Enyart] Pella earned top honors in Class V Jazz. Second place was Oskaloosa. Bondurant-Farrar placed third. Mount Pleasant placed fourth. And in fifth place was Le Mars. 

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[Enyart] Pella does a great job of using the entire floor in their constant movement throughout this routine. 

[Horton] They're throwing it back here both with their costuming and their music selection back to the good old '70s.

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[Dana] Such great energy and expression from every single dancer. 

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[Enyart] And now our champion in Class VI Jazz was Norwalk. Second place was North Scott. Third place was Dallas Center-Grimes. Iowa City Liberty placed fourth. And in fifth place was Davenport North. 

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[Enyart] A nice, clean, crisp classic jazz here by Norwalk. 

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[Dana] Beautiful turns. 

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[Horton] Incredible highlight!

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[Dana] What a fun routine, Norwalk! Nice job!

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[Enyart] Southeast Polk was crowned the champion in Class VII Jazz. Second place was Linn-Mar. Third place was Pleasant Valley. And in fourth place Dowling Catholic.

[Horton] Incredibly powerful opening there with that lift. 

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[Enyart] Very precise and intentional movements throughout this routine. 

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[Dana] I love how they accent their movements with the music. 

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[Horton] The hats are a great detail. 

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[Enyart] And it adds to the difficulty because those brims are so straight, they all have to have the same head level. And watch this turn sequence pickup.

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[Enyart] We now move into our Military category with our champion in Class I, MFL MarMac. Second place was Manson Northwest Webster. And in third place was Clayton Ridge. MFL MarMac earned a Judge's Choice Award for this performance. 

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[Dana] In our Military division we are looking for precision and strong movements throughout. 

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[Dana] And the precision is throughout every visual of formation, their costuming and the strength of movement from toes to their fingertips and their head. 

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[Dana] Strong partner work here for some added visual. 

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[Enyart] Pella earned first place in Class II Military. And in second place was Williamsburg. 

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[Dana] Such a strong performance here by Pella.

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[Dana] And great tempo changes making it more difficult. 

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[Horton] The precision in their movement matches their facial expressions. 

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[Dana] A huge display of strength and athleticism and balance as they do headstands. 

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[Dana] That takes a lot of practice. 

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[Enyart] We move back into the Hip Hop category with our champion in Class IV Monticello. Second place was New Hampton. OA-BCIG placed third. In fourth place was Missouri Valley. And in fifth place West Central Valley. 

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[Dana] Monticello is taking us to Hotel Monticello and based on how they're having fun and dancing I want to go to this hotel. 

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[Enyart] They do a great job of including their own individual personalities while still dancing together. 

(Dana] And I love the red on the bottom of their shoes and way to use it in the choreography! 

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[Enyart] Nice level work there to add visuals.

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[Enyart] In Class V Hip Hop our champion was PCM of Monroe. Second place Centerville. Third place Spirit Lake. Davis County placed fourth. And Chariton came in fifth.

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[Dana] The use of the floor, the strong movements in levels, so well done!

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[Horton] Look at those nice wide stances. That's what you want to see in hip hop, that's where those levels come in. 

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[Enyart] Davenport Assumption earned first place in Class VI Hip Hop. Second place was Clear Lake. Third place was Carroll. Grinnell placed fourth. And Wilton came in fifth. 

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[Dana] What an impressive opening. So much happening. So strong!

[Enyart] And a unique square formation there on those headsprings. 

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[Enyart] All of these teams in the Hip Hop category have really brought a lot of fun and passion through those personalities that are on the floor. And it just adds to the overall performance. 

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[Dana] Awesome job, Davenport Assumption!

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[Enyart] We're now moving into our Contemporary category with our Class I champion Kuemper Catholic. Second place was Panorama. West Central Valley placed third. And Davis County placed fourth. 

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[Dana] The Contemporary category is really expressive and has a lot of emotion and storytelling. But it also incorporates both fluid and staccato movements. It relies on the technique and unpredictable changes in rhythm, speed and direction. And that was very unpredictable. We took our hair down and now the hair is part of the choreography..

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[Enyart] The champion in Class II Contemporary was Wahlert Catholic. Second place was Western Dubuque. Ballard came in third. ADM placed fourth. And in fifth place was North Polk. 

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[Horton] Beautiful control and flexibility there in that highlight. 

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[Horton] As that music changes and that beat gets heavier you can see that the intensity on the faces grows. 

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[Enyart] And our champion in Class III Contemporary was Des Moines Roosevelt. Second place was Des Moines Lincoln. Third place was Marshalltown.

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[Enyart] Des Moines Roosevelt earned a Judge's Choice Award for this outstanding performance. 

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[Horton] We talk about the art and athleticism of dancers and this routine speaks to that. 

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[Dana] Beautiful turns. 

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[Enyart] Our champion in Class III of The M.I.X. was Keokuk. Second place was Ballard. Third place was Knoxville. And we had a tie for fourth between Sioux Center and Grinnell. 

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[Dana] The M.I.X. has been a lot of fun for teams to incorporate into their state competition.

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[Dana] A lot of these teams get to do different styles of dance that they normally would not compete in. So, it could be a team that has never done Pom or Kick and then The M.I.X. is a chance for them to do that. 

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[Dana] The music selection this year was a nod to the 50-year anniversary by taking the music back to the '70s. 

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[Horton] Very unique transition there. 

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[Enyart] Recipients of the Sportsmanship Award were the Garner-Hayfield-Ventura Color Guard as well as the Davis County and West Liberty Dance Teams. ISDTA values success in the classroom with 132 of the competing teams achieving academic honors with the top 16 academic teams achieving team cumulative GPAs of 3.9 and 4.0.

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[Enyart] The following teams were recognized with the Be Bold Award, Newman Catholic, Manson Northwest Webster, Monticello, Cornell College, Davenport Central, ADM and Pella. This year's Character Counts Team of the Year was Maquoketa Valley. And the Character Counts Coach of the Year was Alicia Ortner from Ballard. 

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[Enyart] The Lifetime Achievement Recipient was Alyssa Nolte from Cedar Falls. And this year's Friend of ISDTA was Kyle McCullough. 

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[Enyart] Here is our first look at our college champions with Iowa Central Community College who placed first in Community College Pom. Second place was Southwestern. Iowa Lakes placed third. And in fourth place was DMACC. 

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[Horton] Iowa Central's choreography is always so jam packed. They're filling every second of the music in the half counts and the back beats.

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[Dana] The college competition is a highlight over the Thursday and Friday of state competition. We had 26 colleges competing this year ranging from community college to our NCAA Division I.

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[Enyart] And now here's a look at our NCAA Division III Pom champion Central College. Second place was Wartburg. And Cornell placed third.

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[Horton] Beautiful spotlight of the dancer in the middle with the turns. 

[Dana] This routine has so much power and it is jam packed with movement and difficulty.

[Horton] I really appreciate how they're dancing through their transitions as well. 

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[Horton] Love that peel off out into the X formation. 

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[Enyart] Up next is St. Ambrose University, the champion in NAIA Pom. In second place was Grand View University. Morningside placed third. And William Penn came in fourth. 

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[Horton] St. Ambrose does a really nice job of dancing aggressively no matter what the style is. This pom is no different. 

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[Enyart] This performance also earned a Judge's Choice Award. 

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[Horton] Love the bee themed music for the St. Ambrose Bees. Really high energy music selections. 

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[Dana] Such an amazing job, St. Ambrose!

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[Enyart] The NCAA Division I Pom champion was the University of Northern Iowa. They also earned a Judge's Choice Award for this performance. 

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[Horton] The number of dancers on the floor for UNI is so impressive. 

[Dana] Beautiful technique by every dancer out there. 

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[Dana] Such strong movements.

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[Horton] Love all the highlights that add to the layering of this routine. 

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[Dana] The special part of our competition with our colleges is how many of these dancers danced at the high school level and now they're with their collegiate teams and it's just such a fun legacy and tradition. 

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[Enyart] We now move into our Community College Hip Hop division with our champion Iowa Western. Second place was Iowa Central. And Southwestern placed third. 

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[Dana] I love the style that Iowa Western is bringing to the floor. It's very gritty and they have awesome levels and they just get into it and let it go.

[Horton] The personalities, you can see those shining through with each individual dancer. They're just having a really good time. 

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[Dana] It's also fun to welcome a lot of dancers to Iowa for the first time. These college programs in Iowa are recruiting nationwide. 

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[Enyart] In NCAA Division III Hip Hop our champion was Central College. Cornell placed second. In third was Buena Vista. Simpson placed fourth. 

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[Dana] Tempo changes, personality, strength and athleticism are displayed throughout. 

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[Horton] Great energy Central!

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[Enyart] Our champion in NAIA Hip Hop was St. Ambrose University. William Penn placed second. And Dordt came in third.

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[Dana] That's so fun and very flexible. 

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[Dana] Nice team headsprings. 

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[Horton] Love how St. Ambrose dances through all of their transitions and have such unique formations. 

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[Enyart] We're now moving into the Jazz category with our Community College champion Iowa Central. Second place was Iowa Western. And in third place was Southwestern. 

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[Horton] Beautiful highlight in the center with the turns and then the embrace of the two dancers. 

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[Dana] Great display of emotion as they tell a story. So well done!

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[Enyart] So graceful and fluid throughout this performance. 

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[Enyart] Iowa Western Community College earned a Judge's Choice Award in Jazz.

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[Dana] And Iowa Western is giving us a harder hitting jazz routine. 

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[Enyart] Visit iowapbs.org to watch the 2026 Iowa State Dance Team Championships. And while you're there, check out the exclusive features and behind the scenes moments. 

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[Enyart] Central College earned the championship in NCAA Division III Jazz. Second place was Cornell. And Buena Vista placed third. Central College earned a Judge's Choice Award for this unique performance. 

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[Horton] I think this choreography plays well with this song, Smooth Operator. This routine was just smooth and buttery from beginning to end. 

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[Horton] You can tell the dancers really enjoyed this routine as well. They were able to display some very flirty and sassy expressions on their faces.

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[Dana] Great job Central!

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[Enyart] St. Ambrose University placed first in NAIA Jazz. Second place was Grand View. And in third place was Dordt.

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[Horton] Nice timing. 

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[Horton] St. Ambrose does a really good job on knowing when to attack certain motions and when to release on others and I think that really plays to how effective their performances are. 

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[Dana] There's so many layers to their choreography and it's just so easy to watch.

[Horton] Absolutely.

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[Enyart] The University of Iowa earned first place in NCAA Division I Jazz. Second place was the University of Northern Iowa. 

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[Dana] Technical difficulty on display. Stunning performance by Iowa!

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[Horton] Look at the patience they had in that piece of choreography right there.

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[Enyart] Here are more of our solo champions' encore performances. Up first is Katie Howard from Dallas Center-Grimes, our Class IX Solo champion.

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[Enyart] The Class X Dance Solo champion is Claire Southard from Dowling Catholic.

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[Enyart] The Class XI Dance Solo champion was Mara Quam from Pleasant Valley. 

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[Enyart] And our Class XII Dance Solo champion was Isla May from Ankeny.

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[Enyart] We had a special Beyond Limits performance by Shelby Kurth from Marion. 

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[Enyart] And now back to the high school competition with Ankeny Centennial, the champion in Class IV of The M.I.X.. Second place was Waverly-Shelly Rock. Muscatine placed third. Mason City came in fourth. And in fifth place was Marshalltown. 

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[Horton] As you can see with this team for The M.I.X. they chose to get rid of their poms in the back as a part of their transition and now they're moving into jazz. 

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[Dana] Beautiful kicks by this team!

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[Enyart] MFL MarMac placed first in Class I Kick. Second place was Bishop Garrigan. Kinsley-Pierson placed third. And coming in fourth was Lisbon. 

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[Horton] Creative partner work in their kick routine with the lifts. 

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[Horton] Love this transition!

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[Dana] And in the Kick category the technique of matching kicks and heights. It takes a lot of endurance and practice to get there. They're doing a great job!

[Horton] Judges are also looking for foot closure in between those kick segments. Also they're looking to make sure those hands are nice and tight and straight.

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[Dana] Beautiful!

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[Enyart] In Class II Kick, Keokuk took home top honors. Second place was Humboldt. Third place was Eagle Grove. And Spencer placed fourth.

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[Dana] So, the high school teams have seasons that vary in lengths. Following the state championships, many of these teams will perform at basketball game halftimes and some go on and compete at regional and national events. 

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[Horton] Kick is a challenging style as it is and now you have the sunglasses on. I bet that's tough to do. 

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[Enyart] They do a nice job of carrying out that Men in Black theme throughout this performance as well. 

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[Horton] Nice smooth trick there on either end of that kick line. 

[Enyart] Up next is Davenport Central, the champions in Class III Kick. Second place was Southeast Polk. And in third place was Ankeny Centennial. 

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[Horton] Oh, beautiful highlight!

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[Horton] Impressive jump split section.

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[Dana] They make it look easy but kicking and transitioning your forms is not easy. 

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[Horton] Another beautiful highlight. 

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[Enyart] We move back into Hip Hop with our champions in Class VII, Xavier. North Polk placed second. Bondurant-Farrar placed third. In fourth place was Western Dubuque. And Newton placed fifth.

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[Dana] I really like how they incorporate the hats but not too much. It just adds a nice element. 

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[Dana] And wow, look at that kip up!

[Horton] Oh my gosh, the strength!

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[Enyart] In Class VIII Hip Hop Davenport Central earned the championship. In second place was Davenport North. We had a tie for third between Mason City and Indianola. Norwalk placed fourth. And in fifth place was Dallas Center-Grimes.

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[Horton] Love the jackets with the tails. 

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[Dana] So strong and hard hitting and so many unique movements in the choreography. 

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[Horton] Their choreography playing on all of the accents in their music. 

[Enyart] A lot of tempo changes, which adds to the difficulty as well. 

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[Enyart] Southeast Polk earned top honors in Class IX Hip Hop. Second place was Waukee. Third place was Ankeny. Johnston placed fourth. And in fifth place was Waterloo West.

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[Horton] I love how Southeast Polk has incorporated their school mascot, the ram, on the back of their hip hop costume. 

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[Horton] Very different lift, powerful. 

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[Dana] So much movement and action happening on the floor. 

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[Dana] Great job Southeast Polk!

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[Enyart] Ankeny earned a Judge's Choice Award in Class IX Hip Hop.

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[Dana] Really strong isolations by this team.

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[Enyart] They really performed with a lot of power and energy.

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[Dana] Great performance Ankeny!

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[Enyart] We move back to the Pom category with our champions in Class XI, North Scott. Second place was Norwalk. Waverly-Shell Rock placed third. Coming in fourth was Pella. And in fifth place Lewis Central.

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[Horton] North Scott's black and red reads so well on the performance floor. 

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[Dana] So much difficulty jam packed in this routine and so many unique movements and moments and wowness. It's very impressive.

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[Horton] Great visual transition there. 

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[Enyart] Up next we see Davenport Central, the champions in Class XII Pom. Second place was Iowa City Liberty. Davenport North came in third. Fourth place was Urbandale. And Davenport West placed fifth. 

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[Dana] So sharp. So clean.

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[Horton] Fun highlight there. 

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[Horton] Nice height on that jump. Beautiful!

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[Enyart] Our champion in Class XIII Pom was Dowling Catholic. Second place was Iowa City West. Third place was Cedar Rapids Kennedy. Dubuque Senior placed fourth. And coming in fifth was Sioux City North.

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[Dana] The technique these dancers are displaying in their leaps and turns is very high level. 

[Horton] As well as their upper body carriage in their leaps and their turns. They have beautiful carriage. Nice shoulders pressed down and pulled back.

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[Enyart] Great visual pom work throughout this performance. 

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[Horton] Beautiful timing on this turn sequence! Yeah! Good job!

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[Enyart] And our champion in Class XIV Pom was Waukee Northwest. Second place was Linn-Mar. Pleasant Valley came in third. Ankeny Centennial placed fourth. And in fifth place was Cedar Rapids Prairie. 

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[Dana] Wow! The difficulty that Waukee Northwest is showing us here is collegiate level. 

[Horton] And you notice they go from the quick motions to kind of these slow controlled. That just shows the level of difficulty in that pom routine as well. 

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[Dana] Awesome!

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[Dana] Amazing job Waukee Northwest! This is Andrea Dana along with Stacie Horton and Scott Enyart. Congratulations to all of this year's teams and soloists. You were incredible! And thank you to everyone for celebrating the first 50th anniversary of ISDTA. Thank you for watching. 

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