PUBLISHED ON January 30, 2025
By: Reese F. & Jessi K.
This past weekend, the Chapellettes and Hi-Steppers competed in the American All-Star State Championship. The American All-Star State Championship is a two-day competition in which teams go head to head in many different divisions. Both teams have worked tirelessly in preparation for this championship and did not disappoint!
Throughout the weekend, Chapellettes and Hi-Steppers competed in two different divisions, Chapellettes in Division 1 and Hi-Steppers in Division 3. On day one, Chapelletes took to the floor with six solos, three duos, an officer routine, and five ensembles. On day two, Chapellettes competed in the Division 1 Jazz, Open, Gameday, and Kick. On day one, the Hi-Steppers competed with five solos, one duo, and two ensembles. On day two, in Division 3, the Hi-Steppers competed in Jazz, Pom, Open, Gameday, and Novelty.
With all the nerves and excitement going into the weekend, the coaches of both incredible teams were asked what their thoughts and feelings were as we headed into the competition. We also asked what their favorite thing about coaching was, as well as what their favorite dance was. This was Mrs. Woodward, the Hi-Stepper coach's response:
“The American All Star Louisiana State Dance & Drill Team Championship is always an exciting time of the year. With over 60 junior high and high school teams attending from all across Louisiana, the weekend will be packed with dance, school spirit, creativity and a whole lot more of dance. Dance is a very subjective sport, so you work very hard to create something that you can only hope the judges will enjoy. It can be very difficult to understand when you put out a near flawless routine on the floor, and the results don't go your way. Sometimes the judges just like what the other teams did more than yours or sometimes the scores are so close that 1st place is anyones for the taking. The Chapelle Hi-Steppers practice long hours after school and during the holidays to prepare for this weekend. Many teams only bring 2-3 team dances to state, while we bring five. We are very lucky to have great choreographers: Shelby Jacob '11, Savannah Swain Raynal '14, Jessica Starring '20, Lexi LeBlanc '21, Shayla Woodward '23 and Karley Voges (sister of Kinyson Voges '19). We had great performances at our first competition of the year, so we are hoping to continue that going into state. I believe our girls are in the right mindset this year for greatness. They want to perform each routine to the best of their abilities, they want the judges to enjoy their routines, and they want to bring home the win for Chapelle. I am a firm believer that if you give your everything on the floor and feel that you did everything you can, the results will come. How they feel when they walk off the floor is more important than the trophy. Coaching any type of sport can be difficult, but also has so many rewards. Each year to see the talent God has given these young ladies shine bright on the gym floor is truly a gift. They love Chapelle, dance and each other, and it definitely shows. I also love seeing my Hi-Stepper alumnae who love to retell a story from when they were on the team, and how each one of them still remember our parade stop routine. I have been truly blessed to have been a part of their time at Chapelle, and to be able to witness their talent. To pick a favorite dance from this year is hard because they are so good. Overall I believe our Open "Black & White Swan" dance is our most creative dance and I look forward to seeing what happens at state and nationals with this routine.”
One of the Chapellette coaches, Mrs. Stephani Kammer-Taylor, was asked the same questions and this was her response:
“Going into state I’m super hopeful for growth. The goal is to place higher than we did last year, and I feel like we are ready to do that. But of course I’m always nervous, but also excited to see if and what we can accomplish in an upward positive direction. My favorite thing about coaching is instilling solid work ethic and a sense of being a good human to your teammates. I think there is more to being on a team than just doing what the team is assembled for, in this case dance. I think it’s about learning how to be a good person and to be a source of support for people that you spend a lot of time with and that you share commonalities with. So teaching girls how to not only be good at their craft, and motivated, and accountable, but also to be good people. My favorite dance is definitely jazz this year. It’s intricate and exciting, and the music is exciting. It’s very technically difficult but the girls are killing it and I think it’s really going to read well when we get to the event.”
The Chapellettes and Hi-Steppers danced beautifully in their performances and won many awards. These awards include:
Chapellettes:
Junior High Solo Title Winner- Sophia Brisset!
High School Junior Solo 2nd Place- Lyla Pelle!
Abby and Lyla Duet- 1st!
Claire and Jessi Duet- 2nd!
Kayden and Hailey Duet- 5th!
Kayden/Hailey/Averey/Aubrey Officer Routine- 3rd!
Kayden/Hailey/Claire/Jessi Ensemble- 1st!
Abby/Aubrey/Lyla Ensemble- 2nd!
Gracelyn/Rowan/Sophia F./Sophia M./Theresa/Ava/Cece/Emily/Brynn Ensemble- 5th!
Sophia B./Julia/Melina/Parker Junior High Ensemble- 4th!
Division 1 Jazz- First Place - 4th in State - Technique and Choreography Awards!
Division 1 Open- First Place - 3rd in State!
Division 1 Kick- First Place!
Division 1 Game Day- Superior!
Division 1: 1st in State!
Sweepstakes Award- Tie for 4th Place- 4th in State!
Hi-Steppers:
Dakota/Savanna/Skylar/Karissa/Victoria/Makenzie Officer Routine-4th!
Makenzie/Hailey Duet- 4th!
Division 3 Jazz- Second Place- 3rd in State- Choreography and Technique Awards!
Division 3 Open- First Place- 2nd in state!
Division 3 Pom- Second Place- 5th in State!
Division 3 Gameday- Third place!
Division 3 Novelty- First Place- 1st in State!
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