Area dance: Bombers win kick, Z-M first in jazz

Even though its routine wasn't perfect, according to Bomber Dance Team coach Carrie Pommier, Cannon Falls finished first in high kick at the Lake City invitational. Zumbrota-Mazeppa won the jazz competition.

"Our kick team went out on the floor and showed improvement in all of the areas we have been working very hard on -- kick technique and kick height," Pommier said in an e-mail.

Lake City was the runner-up in high kick Saturday. The host team had been working on changes for two weeks prior to its home invitational and the hard work paid off, according to Lake City coach Heather Sell.

Z-M and Goodhue were taking part in their first competition of the season. Z-M came in fifth in high kick while Goodhue placed eighth.

"Our team has doubled this year and the majority of the girls have never seen or been to a dance competition," Goodhue coach Krystle Graber said in an e-mail. "This is all very new to them and I am extremely proud at how well they have all done."

Goodhue had seven dancers last season.

In jazz, Z-M delivered its best routine of the year, according to coach Jennifer Stumm.

"We nailed our turns, which was huge," she said in an e-mail.

Cannon Falls came in third in jazz.

"(They) performed the best they have all season ... but were a little rocky on our skills," Pommier said. She added: "Both routines improved in performance from our first competition. I wish scores had reflected that improvement a bit more."

Cannon Falls is next in action Jan. 8 at Alexandria. Lake City, Goodhue and Z-M all travel to Winona that same day.

Tags: dance team, cannon falls, lake city, sports, prep, bombers, zumbrota, mazeppa, cougars, tigers