On Jan. 31 to Feb. 1, the New Trier High School varsity girls dance team placed No. 15 out of 30 teams in class 3A at the Illinois High School Association state finals at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington, Illinois. 

According to junior and three year varsity member Phoebe Karabas, after working nonstop for three months perfecting the dance, the team really wanted all of their hard work to pay off in their score. 

“We were all super proud of the way we executed the dance for the last time and when it came time for awards to see what place we got, the energy was really positive,” Karabas said.

The team scored 87.44 out of 100, earning No. 15, just behind Harry D Jacobs High School from Algonquin, Illinois. After placing No. 19 last year, the team continues to improve as the years go on.

“We’ve progressively done better every single year, moving up about 12 places between our first and second year, and another four places this year,” Karabas said. “It was super rewarding to see our hard work and dedication pay off.”

While only the top 12 teams advance to the next round of competition, the upward trajectory of the team’s placement gives the girls hope for next year.

“Although we haven’t made it to the top 12 yet, we have really high hopes to make it there next year since we seem to be on track,” Karabas said.

Head Coach Courtney Kafkis attributes the success of the team to their consistent 100 percent effort and ability to have fun, even in stressful situations.

“What stood out at state was performance day,” Kafkis said. “We were all in a conference room where we meditated, did a facials circle, and free danced to our competition song. The energy and connection between the dancers was perfect.”

Unlike the football season when students choreograph the dances, during competition season the team welcomed choreographer Jackie Consiglio to come up with a dance based on the chosen music and theme. Once the dance is complete, the coaches find costumes that fit with the dance’s style.

“We hired an awesome choreographer from Las Vegas that we have worked with for the past couple years,” Kafkis said. “She is fabulous and we all love her.”

Additionally, during competition season, the Trevians focus on one dance throughout the whole season, practicing and making changes to the dance so the team can improve its overall score after every performance leading up to state. 

“There are always adjustments, whether it’s cleaning formations, changing choreography, or fine-tuning details,” junior Ella McQueen said. “Leading up to state, our practices became even more rigorous. We ran the routine hundreds of times which was exhausting, but also rewarding because we could see our hard work paying off.”

While McQueen is proud of the team’s performance this year, she is excited to see what the future holds in store for the 17 new dancers that will join the team.

“Next year, I’m most excited to continue building our team bond,” McQueen said. “With 17 new girls joining, it’s been a big adjustment, but we’ve already started forming a great connection. I can’t wait to grow even closer, push ourselves even harder, and see how much we improve together.

With only three seniors leaving the program next year, the team will be back next year led by the returners on the team. Karabas believes the team’s commitment to the program will carry into next season. 

“Without the dedication and ethic we had this year, pushing through every tough practice and always giving 110 percent effort, I don’t think we would’ve been as successful as we were and I’m really thankful for my team’s ability to do that,” Karabas said.