Wayzata Dance Team Recognized for Excellence, Sportsmanship

Four members of varsity dance team were among those competing in a recent All-State event hosted by the Minnesota Association of Dance Team (MADT). Each member school could nominate four dancers—two in jazz and two in kick—to participate.

A committee reviewed DVDs and applications in order to select the All State Teams (six total, one jazz and one kick, for each of the three divisions—A, AA, and AAA). Over 170 dancers attended from around the state and performed at Wayzata High School on March 17.

In addition, Wayzata's head coach and assistant coach received presitgious awards at the Minnesota Association of Dance Team's spring banquet. Minnesota dance team coaches are recognized in several categories:  “Coach of the Year,” awarded to one head coach and one assistant coach in each class of competition, “Rookie of the Year” to outstanding rookie coach and “Hall of Fame,” awarded to a coach who has made significant contributions to the sport of dance team.  

All recipients have been nominated and voted on by their coaching peers.  

Wayzata High School head coach Leslie Swiggum was named the 2011-12 Class AAA Head Coach of the Year. 

“Leslie has devoted so much time and love to this program that I know every alumni appreciates all of the wonderful values she taught us to make us better people, dancers, and athletes," assistant coach Alyse Iorio said. "She has touched so many lives as a coach, teacher, mentor and friend. I could not be more proud to work with this amazingly talented individual who personally mentors me each day.”  
Iorio herself was named the 2011-12 Class AAA Assistant Coach of the Year. 

“She helps our athletes set high goals for themselves and the team and then has the ability to help them achieve these goals," coach Swiggum said. "She is incredibly organized and always goes above and beyond what is expected. She anticipates what needs to be done and is on top of her game each and every day.”

Wayazata High School is also the recipient of the AAA Sportsmanship Award for displaying outstanding sportsmanship throughout the 2011-2012 dance team season. The Minnesota Association of Dance Teams uses the Minnesota State High School League's definition of sportsmanship to determine the recipient: “Sportsmanship shall be defined as those qualities of behavior, which are characterized by generosity and genuine concern for others. Further, awareness is expected of the impact of an individuals influence on the behavior of others. Good sportsmanship is viewed as a concrete measure of the understanding and commitment to fair play, ethical behavior and integrity."

Other coaches honored for the 2011-2012 competitive season are:

Head Coach of the Year:
Class A:  Lisa Roth, Aitkin High School
Class AA:  Kris Rydland, Chaska High School
Class AAA: Leslie Swiggum, Wayzata High School

Assistant Coach of the Year:
Class A:  Andrea Schoonover, Aitkin High School
Class AA:  (tie) Tara Lindemeier, Chaska High School; Kelsey Keller, Sartell-St. Stephen’s High School
Class AAA:  Alyse Iorio, Wayzata High School

Rookie of the Year
Jennifer Stumm, Zumbrota-Mazeppa High School

2012 Hall of Fame Inductee:
Tami Seifert, Pelican Rapids High School

The Minnesota Association of Dance Teams was founded in 1980, originally called the Minnesota Association of Dancelines. At that time, the association oversaw the organization of dance teams in the state. It organized and standardized the state competition, provided guidance for other competitions, offered coaches and student conventions, trained judges, and much more.  

Since 1996, the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) has been the governing body of dance teams in Minnesota.

The association also continues to provide training for students and coaches. To this day, the Minnesota Association of Dance Teams continues to be the strongest advocate of high school dance team athletes in Minnesota.