It has been another successful one for the Branford High School dance team.
The nine-member team continued their success story, winning their 30th CIAC state championship title for hip hop, as their season comes to a close.
The team also came in 14th out of over 23 teams at the National Dance Allience High School Championships in Orlando last month.
At the state competition, the nine girls brought their all in their performance at on Feb. 28 at Farmington High School.
Not only did the girls accomplish 1st place in the small varsity hip hop division at states, but they were the runner up in the jazz category, behind Middletown’s team by only 5 points. This is extremely impressive as the jazz routine was choreographed by an alumni of BHS for the first time, and the style was something new for the girls.
Captain Stella Elston (27’) says that she is so proud of the way the team fought for success all year, and said that “this has been our youngest team ever, with a brand new coach, and we have worked so hard to get where we are today.”
The team is coached by BHS grad Jesse Pantani, who was an assistant under former coach Megan Paluzzi.
Elston not only helped to take the team to victory this season, but she also personally received an All-State invitation, and will join other winter athletes to be celebrated at the annual All-State banquet in the coming weeks.
The girls performed both their hip hop and jazz dances at competitions throughout the season and did an amazing job. They have great team camaraderie, always have smiles on stage, and you can truly see how much they love each other, and the passion they have, through each performance on stage.
Branford athletic director Brian Zaklukiewicz also said how impressed he was that the girls continue to uphold their “legacy of excellence” even as participation numbers in extra curricular activities are lower than they have been in the past.
In addition to Elston, the team is made up of fellow junior captain Luna Elston, junior Olivia Gwiazda; sophomores Alanah Duncan, Guilianna Gambardella, Mia Rojas, and Tori Zalewski; and freshmen Elisa Ferrigno and Isabella Zdunek.
The girls season will be performing at their regional competition in Massachusetts on March 14.
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