The Jones dance team has shown a lot of success this year, emerging as the highest-ranked CPS dance team in competition, and went to nationals on Feb 9.

At nationals, the dance team had the opportunity to expose their talent to other schools participating.

“Nationals are important because we want to showcase our talent and routine on a higher level and bigger stage,” said coach Jazmyne Davis.

The dance team puts in a lot of work into practicing and perfecting their performance.

“We practice five days a week three hours a day, compete in six to eight Illinois competitions, and perform at games throughout the competitive season to prepare,” said Davis.

The dance team focused on showcasing their talent and skills at competitions, not on the prize.

“The main motivation for the team is to always put a performance out that we’re proud of and to dance to do our best, not dance to win a trophy,” said Davis.

The team’s main focus shifted to being more competitive rather than relaxed compared to last year’s competition.

“I feel like last year, we focused more on just having fun and performing, but this time we are focusing more on being together and synchronized, but also giving it our all,” said co- captain of the dance team, Serene Davis ‘24.

Coach Davis hopes nationals provided the team with a different perspective on different types of dance styles.

“Sometimes in the Illinois dance world, you see the same teams all season or there’s certain biases towards genres of dance so competing at nationals adds a fresh perspective,” said Davis.

The team utilizes their practice time in order to perfect their dance routines.

“Practice is mostly us going over the whole dance, full out, going over sections, and just making sure everything is clean,” said Davis.

One way the dance team gets exposure to performing in front of an audience is by performing at sport events.

“We like to perform at games so that we get a chance to perform in front of people,” said Davis.

Nationals was a tough competition, but the Jones dance team worked hard to compete against all of their competitors in their division.

“We competed in a really hard division with 36 teams all fighting for a spot to finals,” said Davis.

Through all of the hard work and dedication that the dance team has put in this year they have seen an improvement in their competitions.

“Dance team has had a tremendous amount of success this season and is currently the highest ranked CPS dance team this year competitively!” said Davis.