Between Dec. 1 and 3, dancers from schools all over Iowa gathered in Des Moines to compete at the Iowa State Dance and Drill Team Association State Competition. The Kennedy Dance team placed sixth for their jazz and lyrical dances and eighth in pom.

“I think state this year was much better than last year,” said senior captain Grace Braden. “Though we had hoped to place better than we did, we were all still proud of what we put out on the floor.”

Seniors Joslyn Sheeley, Grace Braden, Ella Mickelson and Grace Cumings competed solos along with juniors Calista Kelly and Aubrey Wolf. Five dancers received division one ratings for their routines. 

The dance team will travel to Chicago in January for the Universal Dance Association Chicagoland Dance Challenge for regionals.

“I am very excited for regionals as it is a fresh start for us,” said Braden.