The Hoban Dance Team (HDT) competed in the Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators (OASSA) Cheer and Dance State Competition, achieving outstanding results. HDT, a four-time state champion team known for stellar halftime performances at The Castle, secured their fifth state title and emerged as the 2024 Division One Small Jazz State Champions.
This year’s team faced added stress, having experienced great success in recent years with championships in 2020, 2021, and 2022. However, they were upset at the state level in the previous season, motivating this year’s team to strive for victory.
Head Coach Erin Smith, alongside Assistant Coaches Destiney Vaughn and Brooke Smith, implemented a significant change before this season. Traditionally competing in one hip-hop routine and one jazz or contemporary routine, this year, the coaches opted for three separate routines. This decision not only increased the pressure to win but also required the team to learn and perfect additional dances before the regional competition in mid-January.
During the football season, the girls dedicated themselves to practicing state routines every Tuesday and Thursday, also focusing on the halftime show. The intense preparation included four-hour Sunday practices, emphasizing attention to the smallest details. The team invested hours of grueling rehearsals, putting their blood, sweat, and tears into every step.
The team’s success was in part attributed to the incredible senior leadership. Senior Captains Marjeigh Wilson and Mia Winkleman, along with Ma’lya Kelker and Kristina Martucci, inspired and supported every dancer. In times of doubt, the team looked to their seniors for guidance.
Winkleman, who contributed to four out of the five championships, reflected, “In my four years on the team, I have never seen such a determined group of girls that deserved the win more. Bringing home a championship with my favorite people was a great way to end my senior season. I am going to miss dancing with everybody.”
HDT appreciated the support from fellow Knights at competitions, noting a noticeably larger student section at both regionals and states this year. HDT superfan Nate Townend expressed, “Helping grow what is usually a very small student section was really special, and having a role in their championship was incredible. We all had a great time, and I couldn’t be more proud of everyone that was a part of HDT.”
Out of the three dances presented in Columbus, Hoban excelled in all categories. Contemporary placed fourth, hip-hop placed third, and the jazz routine secured first place in the state. The girls were grateful and honored to have performed so well, marking a highly emotional experience to conclude the season.
HDT will be recognized on February 9 at the Holy Cross Hoops game, where they will perform a never-before-seen hip-hop routine. Grateful for the support from The Castle, HDT looks forward to continuing to dance for crowds and build their legacy. Whenever possible, be sure to watch an HDT performance and show love to the five-time state champion Hoban Dance Team!
