The IHSA held its inaugural State Series in Competitive Dance in 2013 and saw Metro-East Lutheran (1A), Crystal Lake Central (2A) and Maine South (3A) take home the historic first state titles. The second annual edition of the State Finals returns to U.S. Cellular Coliseum in Bloomington on Friday, January 31 and Saturday, February 1. Friday’s prelims will feature 90 total teams (30 per class) and the Top 10 teams in each class will move on to perform again in Saturday’s finals.

The inaugural state final competition also saw three different styles reach the pinnacle, as Metro-East Lutheran utilized a lyrical routine, Crystal Lake Central used a pom performance and Maine South’s routine was kick influenced.

Every performance this weekend will be streamed live on IHSA.tv (www.IHSA.tv) with a subscription, and Saturday’s finals will also be rebroadcast on Comcast Sports Net Chicago (click for for dates/times).

For more info on the rules and regulations of the IHSA Competitive Dance State Finals, check out our primer from last year.


CLASS 1A
There will be a new state champion in Class 1A, as Metro-East Lutheran will not be a part of the state final field in 2014. Seven of the Top 10 teams from a year ago are back in Class 1A, including runner-up Civic Memorial, who was less than six points away from a state title a year ago. Fellow top returning teams St. Anthony (3rd in 2013) and Murphysboro (9th in 2013) both had strong showings at Sectionals this season. Highland will also be a team to watch after placing third in Class 2A a year ago, before falling down to 1A this season. Bishop McNamara tallied the best Sectional score (87.67) in the class last week, while Aurora Central Catholic and Morris (7th in 2A in 2013, also enter with the momentum of Sectional crowns.

CLASS 2A
Crystal Lake Central returns to answer the not so proverbial question of what’s tougher to top in 2014, last year’s state title or those jet black wigs? (right) Fellow district school Crystal Lake South will take try to do both in 2014, as the Gators topped Central head-to-head by .50 points to win the Huntley Sectional this season. Vernon Hills (4th) and Triad (6th) both return after Top 10 finishes last season, as the latter also claimed a Sectional title last week. Lakes (91.67) and Geneva (90.60) were the only two Class 2A schools in the state to post scores of 90 or better in Sectionals this season. Bremen rounded out the Class 2A Sectional winners.

CLASS 3A
Maine South kicked its way to the inaugural Class 3A state title a year ago, unseating runner-up Stevenson, who had posted the top score during Friday’s prelims. Both teams are back in 2014 and will have to contend with a bevy of talent squads, as nine of the Top 10 from 2013 return, including 2014 Sectional champs Neuqua Valley (4th in 2013) and Downers Grove South (7th in 2013). Lake Park, who missed moving to Saturday’s final round by less than a point last year, placed first in one of two highly competitive Sectionals contested at Glenbrook South (Downers Grove won the other) last week. Meanwhile, Minooka posted the top Sectional score in the state with a 92.60 and after being unmasked a year ago (see below), Warren placed third in the state and will be back for more.

SITE
U.S. Cellular Coliseum (Bloomington)
Directions


SCHEDULE
Friday Schedule

Saturday Schedule


Friday, January 31
Session 1
10:15 AM - 1A Prelims

1:30 PM - 1A Finalists announced

Session 2
3:15 PM - 2A/3A Prelims (rotate between 2A/3A)

8:35 PM - 2A/3A Finalists announced


Saturday, February 1
Session 3
11:00 AM - 1A Finals

12:15 PM - 1A Awards

2:00 PM - 2A/3A Finals (rotate between 2A/3A)

4:00 PM - 2A Awards

4:15 PM - 3A Awards


WATCH
All performances available live on www.IHSA.tv


RESULTS
Friday Prelim Results

Saturday Final Results


INTERACT
Twitter Coverage:
@IHSAState     #IHSA

Facebook Page

Photos


TICKETS
$10 per day


LISTEN
No audio broadcasts currently scheduled for this event


HISTORY & RECORDS  
2014 Sectional Results

Record Book & Past Champions