State dance wins twice as nice

GREEN BAY - Several high school dance teams from throughout Northeast Wisconsin took home trophies from the 2013 Wisconsin Dance Championships, but three area teams won big this weekend at the state competition in La Crosse.

Waupaca, Freedom and Green Bay Southwest each took home not just one but two championship trophies.  And FOX 11 caught up with two of those teams receiving a special welcome home on Sunday.

The Green Bay Southwest Troyettes received a fire truck escort as they arrived back at school.  Fans and supporters greeted the team's 28-members with signs and cheers.

The Troyettes won the Division 1 championship title in Pom, as well as the Division 1 title in Kick.

Winning is a tradition with the Troyettes. Over the past 15 years the team has won 26 state titles in dance--making each new year a challenge to keep the tradition going.
 
"This year has been a winding road and I think sticking together as a team, maintaining our love, staying on course not getting swayed off it, and just having faith throughout the year has been the key for us this year," said Troyettes Coach Shawna Landes.
   
"We dance to dance, not for the ending result, but it's so amazing to be recognized and that we get to dance with such amazing and competitive teams as well," added Emily Blaney, a senior Troyettes member.

The Troyettes now prepare for a national competition next month in Florida where they will defend their 2012 championship crown.

Freedom High School might be smaller that Southwest, but it too has a big winning tradition.

The Freedom Dance team arrived home from the state dance competition with a fire department escort as well. Plenty of fans braved the cold to cheer them on.

Freedom won the state championship title in Division 2 Kick and Division 4 Pom.  The victories mirrored those just three years ago at state.

"We're a little town with an amazing dance program, amazing dancers and it's good to represent and know a small town can come together and do wonderful things," said Lorie Evers, Freedom Dance Team coach.

Waupaca High School Dance Team won its two state titles in Division 2 Jazz and Division 3 Pom. Waupaca is also no stranger to state titles, claiming the same two titles back in 2010.