Good News: Tallies head to State competition this weekend

     The Grain Valley High School Dance Team, the Tallies, head to state competition in St. Louis February 25th - 26th. Soloists compete Friday, February 25th, with the team competing on Saturday, February 26th.
     After a successful competition at the Farmington Invitational at the end of January, where the team placed 1st in pom, 1st place in precision jazz, and 2nd place overall, they head to State competition this weekend. In addition to competing as a team in jazz and pom, four soloists will compete. 
     Team captains sophomore Ava Perry, junior Lily Cassidy, and senior Abbey Neer said the key to their team's success this year has been their support for each other. The trio choreographed the team's pom routine, and head coach Natalie Upton praised their hard work during a showcase for friends and family on Sunday, February 20th.
     "Having our captains choreograph one of our competition routines is a very cool experience to watch them do something a little bit different and put their heart into that," Upton said.
     Neer will compete as a soloist at State in addition to competing with the team and plans to continue her dance career in college. Neer plans to attend Barnard College next year to major in biology and hopes to join their dance team.
​     For updates, follow the Tallies on Twitter (@gv_tallies) and Instagram (@grainvalleydance). 

Team captains (left to right) sophomore Ava Perry, junior Lily Cassidy, and senior Abbey Neer.
Photo credit: Valley News staff

Grain Valley High School's dance team, the Tallies, are headed to State competition this weekend. They performed for family and friends last Sunday at the high school. 
Photo credit: Valley News staff

Tallies head coach Natalie Upton introduced team members during their showcase performance on February 20th. Photo credit: Valley News staff