Area dance team: Another chance at title

From Cannon Falls' purpose at practice to its confidence in competition, this year's squad is unlike any Bomber Dance Team of the previous four seasons, according to senior Casey Johnson.

"We work so hard every single day and I've never seen everyone put so much effort into practice every single day," said Johnson, who has danced on varsity since eighth grade. "I've been on the team for a while so it's really cool to see it finally stand out more."

Fellow senior Emily Neuman said the hard work in practice is a result of how last season ended. Cannon Falls finished one point behind Aitkin and took second at the 2010 Class A high kick state tournament.

The Bomber Dance Team and its seven seniors will get the chance to rectify last year's result Saturday at Target Center. Cannon Falls also will compete Friday at the Class A jazz state tournament. It's the third year in a row that the Bomber Dance Team swept the Section 1A tournament and advanced to state in both styles.

While Cannon Falls has won a pair of high kick state titles -- 2007 and 2009 -- since she joined the varsity, Johnson said the 2010-11 team is not as apprehensive as previous teams.

"We've always had the technique, but we always kind of hide it," Johnson said. "No one really shows what we can do. We've been able to do that this year. ... Past years we go out there and we are timid and a little scared to perform. Everyone just feels confident in our dance and themselves (this season). It's awesome to see that."

There's more to Cannon Falls' success -- it has won eight straight Section 1A high kick titles -- than tough practices.

Neuman, who is in her first year dancing on the team after transferring from Randolph, said the dancers' dedication sets the program apart.

"It's an eat-sleep-breathe-dance, very dedicated team," she said.

Johnson said there's another difference about this season.

"This year I'm more excited than I've ever been (for state)," Johnson said. "It's just like, go out with a bang kind of thing since we're seniors."

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