Pride in Motion

Just a few years removed from a full program restart, the Nodaway Valley dance team heads to its annual state contest Thursday at the Casey’s Center and EMC Convention Center in downtown Des Moines, seeking another Division 1 rating.

The dancers performed at football games during the fall and gave Nodaway Valley Elementary School students a sneak peek at both of their contest dances last Tuesday before Thanksgiving break.

“For some of our girls who have never danced for a studio, this is their first time doing something like this,” senior Kiara Stevens said. “I’m excited to see how we perform at state. My goal is to get top three in one of our dances.”

In addition to a pom routine, this is the first year Nodaway Valley is taking a lyrical routine to state.

“Pom is more upbeat and fun, and for lyrical, you have to have a lot more emotion,” Stevens said.

Another senior, Kylie Nelson, said pom is one of her favorite styles.

“Pom really brings energy to sporting events,” she said. “We usually perform it at halftime of a game, so it helps pick people up and is really energetic and fun.”

Pom feels like it requires more precision than other styles, senior Chloe Rardin said.

“I’m not saying lyrical doesn’t, but pom requires a lot more focus on where you place your poms so they look the same. It takes a lot more cleaning because there are faster, harder movements,” Rardin said.

“Everything’s in sync, so it has to be perfection,” senior Kenna Ford said. “In the four years we’ve been here, the improvement and excitement—we work together as a team, and it’s exciting.”

This is dance coach Sami Britten’s first senior class she has seen all the way through the program.

“They were there from day one—the ones who gave me that gentle push to take over the dance team in the first place. From forming a team to learn a Christmas routine in 2022 to laying the foundation of our program in 2023 as we stepped into our first state competition, these girls have grown so much, not just as dancers but as young women,” Britten said. “They’ve helped lay a strong, positive foundation as we re-established Nodaway Valley Dance.”

Britten said that beyond earning a Division 1 rating and placing in both dances, the team wants to keep improving its technique and movement quality so its “hard work is reflected in their confidence and performances on the floor.”

The same day the group performs, Aleyah Pilgreen will dance a lyrical solo for the judges to the song “Remedy” by Adele. She said her piece is difficult, but continued practice is helping her master it.

“It’s about being there for someone in your life. For me personally, my mom does so much for me,” Pilgreen said. “I feel this song really gives back and portrays everything she’s done for me.”