MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - The Blue Devils competed in the Dance Xtreme Americup Championship where they received many recognitions for the 13 routines entered in the competition.
Led by head coach
Samantha Ziwicki (Woodbury, Minn.,) and captains
Isabel Bratley (Ashland,)
Catelyn Capozzi (Eau Claire,) Izzy Swanson (Becker, Minn.,) and
Skyler Frilseth (North Branch, Minn.,) the Blue Devils competed in three team routines, one small group routine, one duet, and eight solo routines at the Minneapolis Hilton February 2-4, 2024.
Solo Competition
Soloist competitors included the following, listed in competition order:
Sr.
Isabel Bratley –
All American Title Winner
Sr. Rebecca Bergman (White Bear Lake, Minn.)
Sr. Izzy Swanson
Jr.
Skyler Frilseth
Fr.
Jordyn Chapman (Woodbury, Minn.)
Fr.
Grace Johnson (Strum) –
Third Place Performer of the Year Title Winner
Fr.
London Gannon (Hudson)
Jr.
Haley Lodge (River Falls) –
Second Place Performer of the Year Title Winner
Small Group Competition
The small group team competed a contemporary dance
Never Tear Us Apart, choreographed by junior
Cami Bertossi (Waconia, Minn.) and received the GRAND CHAMPION recognition for their routine style category. The eight competitors included
Isabel Bratley, Izzy Swanson,
Haley Lodge,
Grace Johnson,
Hannah Blust (Austin, Minn.,)
Ryannah Nelson (Hudson,) Brynn Heurung (Anoka, Minn.,) and Jocie Hendricks (Owatonna, Minn.)
Dance Team Challenge
Two freshmen competed in the Dance Team Challenge at the DX Americup Championship.
Grace Johnson &
Ryannah Nelson received GRAND CHAMPION recognition in the Dance Team Challenge Collegiate division for their duet
Numb, choreographed by Johnson and Nelson.
Team Competition
The Blue Devils competed in three team routines throughout the championship weekend.
Their jazz routine
Stand in the Light, choreographed by Coach Samantha, received second place in the collegiate contemporary division. Additionally, the routine was recognized by competition adjudicator Dan Gibson for its positive message and performers' stage presence for one of four judge's choice awards.
Their second routine
Shake, Shake, Shake competed in the collegiate pom division and received second place. The routine was choreographed by former Blue Devil dancer Emily Brenner.
The final team routine, competing in the collegiate hip hop division placed second. This routine was also choreographed by former Blue Devil dancer Emily Brenner.
Andrew Lawrence Sportsmanship Recognition
The highest recognition a program can receive at a Dance Xtreme event is the
Andrew Lawrence Sportsmanship award, in honor of the late Andrew Lawrence, a beloved DX staff member who tragically passed away in 2004. The University of Wisconsin – Stout Blue Devils were nominated by the other programs at the competition to receive the
2024 Andrew Lawrence Sportsmanship award.
'Since Lisa Saline first began her company back in 1987, she included a Spirit & Sportsmanship Award. It has always been an important part of her events. The Andrew Lawrence Spirit & Sportsmanship Award is the highest honor a program can earn while at DX events. This elite honor is named in memory of a special DX staff member, Andrew Lawrence.'
Academic Excellence Recognition
The Blue Devils were recognized for their academic excellence at the DX Americup Championship for having a team GPA over 3.0. Scholar athletes (3.5 or higher GPA) include Izzy Swanon,
Isabel Bratley,
Cami Bertossi,
Hannah Blust,
Grace Johnson*, and
Jordyn Blenkush (Shakopee, Minn.)
*4.0 GPA
All American Title Contest
Senior
Isabel Bratley competed in the All-American competition and received the Grand Champion title recognition for her excellence in academics, interview, letter of recommendation and talent in the solo competition.
Bratley is also a three-time recipient of the
Most Valuable Dancer award as nominated by her teammates. She will graduate in May 2024 with her B.S. Retail Merchandising and Management. Upon graduation, Bratley looks forward to starting her first post-graduate position as a corporate buyer with Von Maur at their headquarters in Davenport, IA.
Distinguished Leader Recognition
Senior
Catelyn Capozzi was recognized and nominated by teammates and coaching staff for the 2024 Distinguished Leader recognition at the DX Americup Championship.
Catie Capozzi is a senior in the Business Administration program where she hopes to land a position in a human resources or related role. Capozzi excels in her academics and pushes her teammates to prioritize their education outside of practice as well. She is a mentor to rookies and a friend to all, and our team is endlessly grateful for the commitment she has to the Blue Devils Dance Team. Capozzi has a strong passion for the art of dance and has never given up becoming a better athlete. She looks forward to continuing to support the Blue Devils Dance Team program post-graduation.
The
AmeriCup brings in national level talent from across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, all competing for titles, as well as, providing opportunities for individuals and small groups.
During the 2023-2024 season, the Blue Devils attended two regional competitions as well – the Ashwaubenon Annual Invitation as Ashwaubenon High School and the UW-Eau Claire Fire Up Invitational where the team placed 5
th in the competition. Other remarks include junior
Haley Lodge with a third place solo finish and senior
Isabel Bratley who was recognized as the 'Turn Contest Champion' at the Fire Up invitational.
In January 2024, the team performed at the Target Center as the pregame show for the Minnesota Timberwolves, performing their pom routine,
Shake, Shake, Shake.
The 2024 Dance Xtreme Americup Championship closes out the 2023-2024 Blue Devils Dance Team season. Students interested in the 2024-2025 Blue Devils Dance Team are encouraged to fill out the team
recruitment form and attend the
2024 College Prep Clinic on Saturday, March 2
nd. Tryouts for next year's team will take place in the Johnson Fieldhouse on Saturday, April 20
th and Sunday, April 21
st, and registration information will be available in March 2024.
Contact Head Coach
Samantha Ziwicki at
ziwickis7929@uwstout.edu with any questions about upcoming program events.
