Hopkins Dance Team: 'Athletes as Well as Dancers'

Lauren Rosenzweig doesn't mind her grueling schedule.

In addition to dancing at Summit Dance Shoppe five nights a week, the 16-year-old junior is a captain on the Hopkins High School dance team and practices with that group every weekday afternoon for two-and-a-half hours. Starting her homework at 10 p.m. is a small price to pay, she says, to do what she loves.

"I could never pick between the two. I love being involved in something in the school," Rosenzweig says. "It's nice to be part of a team."

Dance has long been a competitive sport in many schools, but that concept–the subjective scoring that comes with competition–can still be a tough sell to older generations, said dance coach Allison Bridges.

Fellow students, on the other hand, treat the girls with the respect their athletic ability and dedication deserve. Thursday will be the dancers' sole chance to shine in front of their schoolmates–as is typical for all teams in the conference, each school hosts only one dance meet per season.

"All my best friends are on dance team," said Anna Johnson, an 18-year-old senior and team co-captain. "I never thought I could work this hard, and all the girls push each other."

Most sports teams would envy the level of experience on the Hopkins High School dance squad. All 14 girls on the varsity team have been dancing since preschool, in studios such as ,  and On Your Toes, and many knew each other through those studios long before entering high school.

Bridges regards the camaraderie as "kind of like a sorority."

The Hopkins program, known for outstanding technique, won state jazz dance championships in 1997, 1999 and 2001. The coach and team captains all play roles in choreographing routines and choosing music. The dancers spend as much time on strength and conditioning as they do on choreography.

"They must be strong athletes as well as dancers," Bridges said.

In addition to meets, the team dances at pep rallies and other school sporting events. Many of the girls hope to dance in college–just as athletes in other sports, colleges recruit them. Unlike other sports, though, there are no stars, Bridges said. All the girls have to be at the same level of technique and artistry, she says, and they motivate each other.

"I love all the school spirit," said senior co-captain Lindsey Burton. "I love being around such amazing girls, and all the excitement and adrenaline at the competitions."

UPDATE: The Hopkins Royelles varsity dance team placed third at the Lake Conference Kick Meet on Thursday. Eden Prairie secured first and Wayzata won second. Wayzata also won the junior varsity competition.

This article was originally published at http://hopkins.patch.com