High school dance season coming to a close

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Cheer and dance teams from Saskatoon high schools have been competing since October. The Tommy Douglas Toe touch took place in February and Walter Murray Mania in early March. Competitors on last year’s teams had city championships cancelled due to teacher job action. This year competitors are looking forward to completing their full season with city championships happening on March 25 at Bedford Road.

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The StarPhoenix presents team-by-team snapshots of schools and dance teams with coaches submitting information about their own team.

Aden Bowman Bears: Senior Hip Hop

Head coach: Ladd Hemeon

Athletes to watch

• Reese McDonald — Grade 12. The only member who has been on the hip hop team since it was started two years ago. She brings energy and experience.
• Madison McComber — Grade 10. Her second year on the hip hop team, She is a powerhouse dancer and like Reese is on the cheer, jazz and pom teams.

Last year’s results

“In the 2023-24 season the hip hop team won 1st place and a performance award at the Best of the West Competition and were awarded a Judges Choice Award at Winter Knockout. They had a great season and loved performing their routines.”

Expectations for this season

“This year’s hip hop team consists of mostly new dancers to the team. They are hard working and are excited to compete.”

Aden Bowman Bears: Senior Cheerleading

Head coach: Ladd Hemeon

Athletes to watch

• Jorja Metheral — Grade 12. She is a co-captain, and has been involved with the cheer team since Grade 10. She is an amazing flyer and is always willing to jump into any spot if needed.
• Hannah Pasqualotto — Grade 12. Also a co-captain of the team and has been involved with the cheer team since Grade 10. She brings strong leadership skills and is dedicated to the sport. Hannah is also part of our pom and jazz teams.
• Tanner Richard — Grade 12. He is our third captain on the team. A strong back spot who can also tumble.
• Reese McDonald — Grade 12. She joined the cheer team in Grade 11. Comes from a dance background and has been on the pom, jazz and hip hop teams. As a flyer she is fierce, and there is no stopping to what she can do.

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Last year’s results

“In 2023-24 the Aden Bowman cheer team won the SCA Provincial Championships. In 2022-2023 the cheer team were city champions. The team fought hard and was committed to making sure each time they competed it was better than before.”

Expectations for this season

“This year’s cheer team is dedicated and determined. They are always willing to push themselves at every practice. Even though they are less experienced, they are hoping to compete and showing all the hard work pay off.”

Aden Bowman Bears: Senior Jazz

Head coach: Ladd Hemeon

Athletes to watch

• Reese McDonald — Grade 12. She is one of the co-captains on the team. She is a fierce competitor and athlete. She is a strong leader who is committed to all of her teams.
• Leigh Jerome — Grade 12. Co-captain of the team. Loves to dance and her positive energy brings out the best in her teammates.
• Maycee McDonald — Grade 12. On the senior jazz team for the second year. Brings strong work ethic and technique to the team.
• Sophia Pollock — Grade 10. Her second year on the senior jazz team. She brings years of dance experience.
• Alice Lees — Grade 10. Has been on the senior jazz team since Grade 9. She is dedicated and committed to the team.

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Last year’s results

“In 2023-24 the Bowman jazz team had a great season. They won 1st at Best of the West competition. They loved strutting their stuff and couldn’t ‘Wait A Minute’.”

Expectations for this season

“The senior jazz team is looking forward to showing their lyrical side of jazz this year. They can’t wait to show their love of dance at competition.”

Aden Bowman Bears: Senior Pom

Head coach: Ladd  Hemeon

Athletes to watch

• Talia Falzerano — Grade 12. A co-captain, she joined Bowman’s pom team in Grade 11 and is also on the provincial SCA pom team. Dedicated to the sport and is a great motivator.
• Hannah Pasqualotto and Reese McDonald — Grade 12. These two athletes are 3-year veterans on the team. Since Grade 9, they have been on the senior pom team. Their dance experience and work ethic have helped to build a strong team for Bowman.

Last year’s results

“In 2023-24 the pom team worked hard to put together a strong performance. They enjoyed competing at the various competitions.”

Expectations for this season

“This team is dedicated to pom. They have been working hard to work towards delivering a performance that the crowd and judges will enjoy. They are looking forward to competing and showing their routine at competition.”

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Bedford Road Redhawks: Senior Street Team

Head coach: Irish Joy

Athletes to watch

• Kayla Fehr — Grade 10. Her second year returning to the street dance team at Bedford Road. When she was in Grade 9 she was very interested in learning how to dance and perform. Kayla is very enthusiastic and will do her best to go above and beyond. She is willing to take a leadership role and help her teammates amplify the confidence they already possess.
• Kaya Gordon — Grade 12. Was in the 2021-22 senior pom team and this year is her second year returning as part of Bedford Road’s street dance team. Kaya showcases her talents and abilities to the extremities and always makes sure she goes above and beyond. She influences others’ positive attitudes and love to make everyone feel welcomed. Her energy on the dance floor is top notch and is definitely something to look out for.
• Katherine Shuya — Grade 9. Although this is her first year joining Bedford Road street team, she is already progressing rapidly. Katherine was part of the musical and enjoys dancing. She’s always willing to step up and support her teammates whether that’s for skills or just learning the moves to their routine. She moves very intricately and focuses a lot on detail and counts which makes her a great person to lookout for.

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Last year’s results

“Our 2023-24 season was filled with very exciting and upbeat moves. We incorporated a lot of formations and skills that challenged our athletes to another level. The season was quite exhilarating especially with the great improvement they possessed from the previous season.”

Expectations for this season

“This season we want to introduce an exciting theme! The theme is quite new to us and we’re working our hardest to execute the vibe to the level we envision in our heads. We expect this year to place higher than we did last season and give the audience a show they haven’t seen before. We will be competing in all SSSAD Cheer and Dance competitions and will hopefully see you there cheering for us and our long awaited theme!”

Centennial Chargers: Senior Hip Hop

Head coach: Kristen Robertson

Athletes to watch

• Roshni Pandey — Grade 12. A previous pom member with years of hip hop training, she is a bright and talented dancer. Her talent and positivity shines through her performance, always trying to better herself and others. She is also an assistant coach for this team.
• Maria Gonzalez-Vega — Grade 12. With her background in hip-hop and salsa, she consistently pushes for greatness and uplifts everyone around her. She inspires others to reach new heights in their performances, leading with passion and creativity. She is the manager for all Centennial dance teams and assisted with the choreography for this team.

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Last year’s results

“The Centennial hip hop team was first introduced last year. Although the season ended unexpectedly, they took part in many competitions and enjoyed representing our school. Their dedication and collaboration allowed for them to increase their skills and shine brightly on stage.”

Expectations for this season

“This year, the Centennial hip hop team is excited to showcase all of the hard work we have been putting into our performance. We are hoping to expand our team’s experience, skills, and drive while strengthening our bond and joy for the sport. We hope you are all excited to cheer on our dancers!”

Centennial Chargers: Senior Jazz

Head coach: Kristen Robertson

Athletes to watch

• Adara Carey — Grade 12. A rookie on both the senior pom and senior jazz teams. She brings her years of dance training that showcases her talent and radiates the stage with her vibrant energy.
• Alisa Houshmand — Grade 12. Also a rookie on both the senior pom and senior jazz teams. With her previous pom background, her presence enriches the team. Her genuine kindness constantly shines through her interactions with others.

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Last year’s results

“The Centennial senior jazz team had an amazing season last year, including a judge’s award for intensity and a provincial championship! Even though their season was cut short, their dedication, hard work, and strong bond allowed for them to make it one of the best season’s they’ve had.”

Expectations for this season

“This season, our team wants to build on our previous achievements. With many new dancers, our team has a fresh perspective and constantly collaborates to make our team the best it can be. We are excited to share this brand new routine with you all this season.”

Centennial Chargers: Senior Pom

Head coach: Kristen Robertson

Athletes to watch

• Payton Ewart — Grade 12. The most dedicated, and enthusiastic dancer. She is always a positive presence to everyone on the team. She also is a junior pom coach.
• Anika Rezeanu — Grade 12. Demonstrates team spirit all the way. She loves to clean choreography and tries to bring out the best of everyone on the team. She is also a junior pom coach.
• Kadie Mansiere — Grade 12. The definition of sunshine, she always comes to practice with a smile on her face. Her enthusiasm is contagious to everyone around her. She is also a junior pom coach.
• Annika Babcock — Grade 12. A technical dance force, who loves to be challenged. She is always willing to help others to improve their technical abilities. She is also a junior pom coach.

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Last year’s results

“Last season’s team had an amazing season filled with many great memories and people. This included a first place win at Best of the West, third place at Tommy Toe Touch, and second place at both Warman Cheer Classic and provincial championships. Even though the team wasn’t granted a proper exit at city championships, they had a great attitude, remained positive, and always strived for excellence.”

Expectations for this season

“Our expectations for this season are to try our best, improve our dance technique, work on facials, and most importantly, have fun. With new and returning members to this team, we are enjoying the challenges this season is bringing and exploring our theme ‘FIRE’! We are thrilled to share our routine with you all this season!”

Evan Hardy Souls: Hip Hop

Head coach: Alexa Delainey, Jordyn Neufeld and Courtney Binner

Athletes to watch

• Olivia Setre — Grade 10. Showcases her versatility in all dance styles. Look out for her acro skills in this routine.
• Kanak Kanakpreet Kaur — Grade 11. New to Evan Hardy this year. Watch for her intensity and groove on the mat.

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Last year’s results

“The hip hop team is new to Evan Hardy! This team is excited for their first performance season. They are a group of 14 athletes who are experienced and new dancers.”

Expectations for this season

“The EHC hip hop team is excited to perform at Winter Knockout, Tommy Toe Touch, Warman Cheer Classic and city championships.”

Evan Hardy Souls: Pom

Head coach: Courtney Binner and Jordyn Neufeld

Athletes to watch

• Annika Dennison — Grade 11. Athlete returning for her second year of pom. She is a dedicated member of the team.
• Nina Zhang — Grade 9. A new member of the team. She is showcasing her dance training this season.

Expectations for this season

“The Evan Hardy Pom team is excited to be back on the mat this season. The team is composed of 15 athletes from grade 9, 10, 11, and 12. EHC is excited to participate in Winter Knockout, Tommy Toe Touch, Warman Cheer Classic, and City Championships.”

Holy Cross Crusaders: Dance

Head coach: Hailey Newton & Eden Hegedus

Athletes to watch

• Dance Captains: Lindsay Schvarzkopf and Mckenna Wist, along with fellow senior dancers Charly Sendecki, Sarah Folstad and Alieth Mounyjang. All five athletes are Grade 12 students who bring strong leadership skills, and technical ability to the team.

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Last year’s results

“This is our first year as a competitive pom team. We introduced a rec team to Holy Cross in the 2023-24 year and are excited to be a part of the SSSAD pom family.”

Expectations for this season

“We want to grow our program and hope to come out with Top-3 placings in our first competitive season. We are eager to get started, to learn and grow, and showcase our athletic talents continuing the tradition of excellence at Holy Cross.”

Marion Graham Falcons: Senior Pom

Head coach: Ilaria Zuzak, Madison Bahr, Payton Mackintosh

Athletes to watch

• Keona Lavertu, Ella Stone, Frida Shupenia, and Sarah Zemluk are our four returning senior dancers. They are all great leaders on the team, and are always ready for new challenges.

Last year’s results

“This team has had much success over the past few seasons, and hopes to continue to do so. The coaching team is new this year, but the girls continue to work hard!”

Expectations for this season

“Our main goals are to have fun, build confidence, and positively represent Marion Graham Collegiate. We have a strong piece, and our dancers have been working hard, so we just want them to be proud of themselves and what they bring to the mat!”

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Marion Graham Falcons: Senior Street

Head coach: Ilaria Zuzak, Payton Mackintosh

Athletes to watch

• Uma Berg — Grade 12. One of the seniors on the team who is a strong leader and dancer.
• Velencia Horne and Nikita Mah-Phothimath — Grade 11. Both are extremely dedicated to making time for the team, and are some of the top performers.
• Vanna Marquilencia — Grade 10. A dancer with amazing groove, and performance ability.

Last year’s results

“This team was in the top of placements last season, but is under a new coaching team this year.”

Expectations for this season

“We hope to build confidence in our dancers as they compete against the other talented teams, discover their passions for dance, and create memorable friendships that will last!”

Tommy Douglas Tigers: Cheer

Head coach: Breanna Allegretto & Jordanne Stolz

Athletes to watch

• Taylor Smith — Grade 12. She’s on all the Tommy Douglas dance teams and doing great at cheer as well. She’s a flyer and base and adds a whole lot of flair to the routine and everyone’s lives.
• Madalyn McMorrow — Grade 12. She is the heart of the team. She is always the first one to believe in everyone’s skills and cheer them on no matter what. She is an amazing third.
• Cole Rabby-Utigard — Grade 11. He’s one of the main tumblers. Really very skilled and adds a great flair to the team. Very skilled dancer, and adds a great amount of strength, mentally and physically.
• Stella Hoffman — Grade 10. Even after an injury set her back, she’s back on the mat and pushing through. She’s another one of the main tumblers and great at it.

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Last year’s results

“The competitions we got to attend last year, we did really well at. We placed 4th at Warman Cheer Classic and got 3rd place at provincials! This year we’re gunning for the same, if not better results. We’re keeping our seniors from last year in mind and doing it for them. Especially since they got their last cheerleading city championship taken away from them.”

Expectations for this season

“We expect greatness from our team and all the other high schools. Cheerleading is ever changing and we hope to see what everyone brings this year in terms of stunting and tumbling. We wish all the cheer and dance teams a great season.”

Tommy Douglas Tigers: Senior Pom

Head coach: Carolyn Parr-Hillestad

Athletes to watch

• Taylor Smith and Sabreen Ghuman — Grade 12. These two dancers are the “OGs” of pom at TDC. They are the only two who started as junior pom athletes in Grade 9 and have stuck with it, through all four years. They have been dedicated and enthusiastic members each year. They lead with passion and commitment to sharp movement.

Last year’s results

“Highlights of our Ken & Barbies 2024 season were 1st place at Winter Knockout and Tommy Toe Touch.”

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Expectations for this season

“The team kicked off the new season with a repeat win at Winter Knockout. They are looking forward to an exciting season!”

Tommy Douglas Tigers: Senior Jazz

Head coach: Carolyn Parr-Hillestad

Athletes to watch

• Elise Noesgaard, Tayler Gibson, and Skye Williams — Grade 12. These three dancers all bring a wealth of talent to the team. They have beautiful technique, display authentic emotion, and leadership. They willingly provide support to their teammates with new skills.
• Cayl Molnar — Grade 12. A committed member of Saskatoon’s hip hop community. They are proud of a commitment to authentic hip hop grooves and party moves and offer valued insight and technique to practices.
• Sienna McCaslin — Grade 11. A rookie last year and has shown incredible growth and leadership. She dances with a dynamic performance quality and shines from wherever she dances on the mat.

Last year’s results

“2023-24 season highlights were 1st place wins at Winter Knockout, Warman Cheer Classic and Tommy Toe Touch.”

Expectations for this season

“We graduated 7 valuable members and have welcomed 11 rookies this year. We are celebrating our team cohesiveness and excitement for the season. The senior jazz team is continuing to present the lyrical style of jazz. They love to share this softer style to their audiences, finding ways to incorporate their emotion, passion, and technique. They hope their judges and audiences alike will love ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’ this year!”

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Walter Murray Marauders: Hip Hop

Head coach: McKenzie Hodgins and Immarria Brightly

Athletes to watch

• We have a group of returning dancers that are helping to lead our predominately new crew.

Expectations for this season

“We are hoping to take last year and continue to build on it. We have a lot of great dancers who will be helping to lead the team in this season.”

Walter Murray Marauders: Senior Pom

Head coach: Kennedy Hannay & Jordan Bishop

Athletes to watch

• Graeme Bishop — Grade 12. One of WMCI’s pom captains this season, who brings incredible enthusiasm and work ethic to every practice. He brings great experience to the team and we are so proud of him for making the Team Sask Senior Pom team headed to the world championship this Spring.
• Keira Procyshen — Grade 12. Pom captain who brings great talent and flexibility to the team. Her unique skill set is great for the diverse routine this year. A talented and well-rounded dancer.
• Jenna Xu — Grade 12. A pom captain who brings incredible energy to every practice. She is a natural leader with great ideas and enthusiasm. She has a strong work ethic, leadership and bubbly energy.

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Last year’s results

“The 2023-24 pom season at Walter Murray was a great experience for all team members, including members ranging from Grade 9 to 12. The athletes were able to work together towards a common goal. They worked extremely hard and had one of their best performances yet!”

Expectations for this season

“You can expect high energy and enthusiasm from our team this season! With new coaches, new choreography, and new costumes, we are ready to debut our brand new team! Everyone has worked incredibly hard and are ready and eager to perform!”

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