HERMISTON, Ore.-The Hermiston High School Dance team brought a state title home from the recent Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) championships.
Hermiston was crowned State Champions in the 2A/3A Show Division at the Yakima Valley SunDome on March 28.
“As an athletic department, we are very proud of our team’s accomplishment of winning another state championship,” said Hermiston Athletic Director Larry Usher. “Their work ethic, commitment to the program, and ability to persevere is very impressive.”
Dance routines in the Show Division focus on a story or theme, according to the WIAA. The choreography must express the storyline, and dancers may use props during the routine.
The theme of Hermiston’s State Championship routine was “Unchained” and dealt with the issues of depression, anxiety, grief and trauma, and the ability to break free with the mind.
“This team overcame a lot of challenges this season,” said Alex Anteau, Head Coach of the Bulldogs. “We were all going through something at some point, it brough us closer together and by the end of the season we were ready to break free and move on.”
Using chains as props to literally and figuratively “break free” during its championship routine, Hermiston earned a score of 247.9 to beat out Shorewood and Rogers for the title.
Hermiston’s 2025 state title is the eighth across Hip Hop, Dance or Show since 2019 for the Bulldogs dance dynasty.
“This group of twenty dancers is the best I’ve ever had,” said Coach Anteau. “They were a tight-knit group that all got along, worked hard and grew together. I’m excited for next season.”
