HERMISTON, Ore.-The Hermiston High School Dance team won the 3A State Hip Hop Championship at the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) State Dance and Drill Championships at the Yakima SunDome on March 28.
“Throughout the season, our Hip Hop routine experienced a range of score fluctuations-some strong, others more challenging,” said Hermiston Head Coach Alex Anteau, who believes the ups and downs of the season led to her squad’s determined performance at state.
Hermiston edged out Kentlake High School, of Kent, Washington, by a single point, 252.90 to 251.90, to claim the Hip Hop State Championship with its “Welcome to the Jungle” routine.
“It was clear that we approached state with focus and intention; this was not just an opportunity to perform, but a responsibility to execute,” said Anteau. “The team treated it like a business trip-we had a job to do, and they rose to the occasion.”
Hermiston also placed second in the Dance category at state and finished fourth in its first year of competing in Pom.
Pom, which emphasizes quick and precise, synchronized arm movements, formations, jumps, and skills by dancers holding poms throughout the routine, replaced Show in competition this season, and meant the Hermiston dance team had to master an all-new discipline.
“The experience of making it to state in our first year competing in a new style was incredible,” said Anteau. “It speaks volumes about the team’s dedication and their trust in us as coaches to guide them through unfamiliar territory.”
Hermiston embraced the challenge, honed their routine, and placed in Pom in every competition they competed in this season on their way to state.
With its most recent state title, now its ninth across Hip Hop, Dance, or Show since 2019, Hermiston’s dominant dancing dynasty continues, something that Anteau, in her second season as Coach of the Bulldogs, is proud of and grateful to be part of.
“Stepping into leadership of an already successful program can be intimidating, especially when there is a strong legacy to uphold,” said Anteau. “This team means everything to me, and watching their hard work and growth throughout the season is truly rewarding.”
