Beloit Turner dance squad heads to state

BELOIT — The Beloit Turner Dance Team will be competing Friday for the top prize in the state.

The State Dance Championship, held at the La Crosse Center, will feature the Trojan squad for the first time since 2022. Competing in the Pom Division, the team has high hopes after placing third in their regional competition.

12 teams qualified for the competition, and Turner assistant coach Abby Mortimer said the Trojans are ready for the meet.

“This year these girls worked so hard to get there,” Mortimer said. “We had to make a bunch of adjustments throughout the season, and we also entered more competitions to get more judge’s feedback to have an even better chance of making it to state. It’s really inspiring to see how well they’ve done.”

Mortimer said the goal for Friday is simple.

“I want them to do the best routine they’ve ever done,” Mortimer said. “They all know what they need to do in order to get the job done. Our division is crazy, so a top five finish would be amazing. That would be the best we’ve every done, and that’s the main goal. We feel like that’s 100 percent achievable.”

The Trojans are stacked with seven seniors, and Mortimer has been pleased with the way the team has come together.

“I’ve coached these seniors since they were freshman, and it’s been so cool to see the way they’ve come together as leaders,” Mortimer said. “They’ve made such great strides in that area throughout the years, and they are great representatives for our team, school and community.”

Members of the team include Maci Niman, Jaylen Dyqart, Adalynn Acres, Scarlett Shoemaker, Nora Walker, Dalaila LaVariega, Maggie Mrizek, Myah Franks, Emily Wyss, Belinda Galvan, Addison Mortimer, Jayden Pozzani, Bayleigh Geffers.