Canby Cougar Dance Team Named Grand Champions at Last Local Competition before State

One of the last winter sports to wrap up is the Canby Dance Team, who is gunning for their incredible sixth straight state title in a couple of weeks.

They added the latest hardware to their crowded trophy case this past weekend, as they performed at Liberty High School in their last local competition before the state championships.

They took home first place in the show division — because, of course they did — and also received the grand champion award for highest score of the day, across all teams and divisions. Marissa VanHoose also earned a spot in the top 10 novice drill down winners, while Sarah Patton and Kaitlin Gartrell placed in advanced drill down.

“We laughed, we cried, we drank Jamba, ate Brent’s mom’s cookies, we braided, danced our hearts out and left it all on the floor,” head coach Jennifer Chaffee said. “Tomorrow, it’s back to the gym to keep working — less than two week until the State Championships!”

The Canby Cougar Dance Team’s 2020 show routine is /təˈrān/, choreographed by James Healey and the dancers themselves. They will compete in the 2020 OSAA Dance & Drill State Championships on Friday, March 20, at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Portland. Tickets are on sale now.

Photos by Heather Hawkins Hansen and Jennifer Chaffee:

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