Sports
Braintree High Dancers Win 2012 State Championship
Braintree High has won the title five years in a row.
Braintree High's Varsity Dance Team won first place at the MSSAA (Massachusetts Secondary School Administrators Association) Fall State Cheerleading and Dance Championship, Nov. 18 at Shrewsbury High School.
This is the fifth consecutive year the team has captured the dance title since the MSSAA sanctioned the competition as a fall state competition in 2008.
The team of 22 dancers, led by senior captains Ashley Boyle, Rae Lynch, Alison Page and Rose Thackeray, are coached by Jamie Campbell and Lindsay Coleman. The Wamps dance squad also include seniors Emily Helbig, Amanda McCormack and Erin Moriarty; juniors Meg McCarthy, Nicole Coloma, Alex Dean,
Gabbi Fiedor and Claudia McHugh; sophomores Emily DiGiusto, Jordan Nashawaty, Danielle Tressler , Jackie Swan and Shae Vartanian; and freshmen Emma DiBona, Julia Mahoney, Molly McQuillan, Molly O’Toole and Hannah Stewart.
Braintree High competed against eight qualifying dance teams from across Massachusetts. Needham High placed second and Weymouth High came in third place. The BHS dancers outscored both teams by over 30 points. The competition also included a hip hop division this year.
As in past year’s performances, the Braintree High squad performed a near perfect routine, capturing scores in the 90’s in all categories. Dance judges gave high marks for the team’s overall impression, performance, communication, projection and commended the high level of technical skill and fast-paced
choreography. Among the judges’ comments were “fun to watch,” “beautiful kickline,” and “excellent variety and choreography.” This year’s routine featured an exciting and upbeat mix of country songs.
Prior to announcing the winners, Dr. Michael Connolly, assistant director of MSSAA, praised the assembled dance teams and their coaches. “You are incredible athletes who continue to impress me year after year with your skill and dedication.” Dr. Connolly said the MSSAA is committed to growing the
sport of high school dance throughout Massachusetts.
