Spring is competition season and the Plano Senior High Planoettes drill team recently competed in the American Dance/Drill Team’s (ADTS) National Championship held March 22 – 23, at the University of North Texas in Denton.
The team received first place for their military and show productions and finished third runner-up in the Super Team category. Out of over 40 teams competing, the Planoettes were ranked overall as Sixth Place Best of the Best.
“I am so proud of this team and all the work they have put in to making this year special," exclaimed director Meredith Walraven. "The production was clearly a team effort with our girls, dads, and moms! The dance was truly a great ending to a wonderful day. Our team Military is always a crowd favorite and that didn’t change this year with many asking, “what team is that?” after our girls danced. I am so blessed to be the director of the Planoettes and able to work with the most talented and caring girls! The Planoettes are more than an award winning organization, they are giving of their time to their school and community and true leaders for others to follow. I cannot thank the parents, staff at PSHS, and our community enough for the support over the year! Thank you and we are honored to be the “Pride of Plano."
In addition, the Elite teams received first place in Contemporary and Kick and an overall second runner-up award in the Elite category. The Officers received first place in Novelty and Lyrical and overall second runner-up. Sergeants received a third runner-up for their small ensemble performance.
Morgan Ericson and Alex Hill were finalists for the All-American Kick Company. Morgan and Alex were also awarded second runner-up for their Duet and third runner-up for their solos. Rachel Daniels, Rylie Johnson and Elise Oliver received a first runner-up for their Trio.
Earlier this Spring, the Planoettes entered two regional competitions with much success. The elite groups, officers, and sergeants competed in the Crowd Pleasers Dance North DFW Showcase in Keller with the Elite teams receiving first place in Jazz and first runner-up in the Elite Division. In the Galveston Island Festival, the team received second runner-up in the Super Division and received the Outstanding Team Award for the Festival. The Elite teams also received first place overall in their division.
The Planoettes are now preparing for their annual spring show, Planoettes Pizazz, which takes place April 11, 12, and 13, at 7:30 p.m. in the Plano Senior High Doyle Dean Performing Arts Center. This year’s production, Holding Out for a Hero, honors the many different heroes we experience in our lives and will include many of their winning competition routines!
Tickets can be purchased at the PSHS theatre box office from 4:15 – 6:00 p.m. April 2-4 and 8-10, and from 11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in the PSHS cafeteria April 8-11. The box office opens at 6:00 p.m. on performance nights.
The Planoettes drill team of Plano Senior High School is made up of nearly 80 junior and senior girls and the awesome Maroon Guard. The team is under the direction of Meredith Walraven, with Assistant Directors Lindsay Placke and Jennifer Janak. For more information, visit planoettes.org.