District Five dancers shine at state competition

IRMO — Lexington-Richland School District Five dance teams earned multiple state titles and top placements at the South Carolina Dance Association (SCDA) State Championship.

The championship was held Feb. 21, 2026 at York Preparatory Academy. Students from Chapin Middle School, Chapin High School, Dutch Fork Middle School and Dutch Fork High School competed in a variety of categories.

“I am incredibly proud to coach the Dutch Fork High School Varsity Dazzlers and to be part of a district that values and supports dance at such a high level,” School District Five Lead Dance Teacher Maddy Thiemann said. “It is truly special to teach in a community where dance programs are given the opportunity to grow, compete and excel across the state and the country.”

Thiemann said students from Lexington-Richland School District Five secured seven of the eight high school categories across the JV and varsity divisions.

“Not only are our students excelling at the state championship, but these high school teams also compete on the national stage, representing our state at high school national events each year,” she said. “Their success reflects a culture of excellence, commitment, community and pride that extends throughout our entire district.”

Middle school solos

4th place — Annabelle Scurry (Chapin Middle School) 9th place — Gwinn Summers (Chapin Middle School) 10th place — McKinley Summers (Chapin Middle School) High school solos

3rd place — Briana Valverde (Chapin High School) Middle school titles

Hip Hop State Champion — Chapin Middle School (first in program history) 3rd place Pom — Chapin Middle School JV titles

Jazz State Champion — Dutch Fork High School Pom State Champion — Chapin High School Hip Hop State Champion — Dutch Fork High School (All JV categories were won by District Five schools.)

Additional JV placements included:

2nd place Jazz — Chapin High School 2nd place Hip Hop — Chapin High School Varsity titles

Hip Hop State Champion — Dutch Fork High School Jazz State Champion — Chapin High School Lyrical State Champion — Chapin High School Pom State Champion — Chapin High School Additional varsity placements included:

2nd place Hip Hop — Chapin High School 3rd place Game Day — Dutch Fork High School

District Five dancers shine at state competition

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