Two student-athletes from Knoxville High School have received a significant state-level honor. Senior Iselynn Prevo and junior Abi VanderLinden were officially selected to join the prestigious All-Iowa Honor Dance Team, recognizing them as among the top high school dancers in the state.
The selection provides the two dancers with a unique opportunity to perform on a major stage. They are scheduled to showcase their talents during the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) State Basketball Tournament, an event held this winter at the Casey’s Center in Des Moines.
Key Takeaways
- Knoxville High School students Iselynn Prevo (Senior) and Abi VanderLinden (Junior) have been selected for the All-Iowa Honor Dance Team.
- The team comprises the most talented high school dancers from across the state of Iowa.
- Prevo and VanderLinden will perform at the girls' state basketball tournament at the Casey’s Center.
- Both students are active members of the Knoxville Dance team, which performs at local events and competes at the state level.
A Statewide Recognition of Excellence
The All-Iowa Honor Dance Team is a program designed to recognize and celebrate the most accomplished high school dancers in Iowa. Selection for this elite group is highly competitive, involving a rigorous audition process where students must demonstrate exceptional technical skill, performance quality, and artistry.
Dancers from schools of all sizes across the state vie for a limited number of spots. Earning a place on the team is a testament to a student's dedication, hard work, and talent, marking them as a leader in their craft at the high school level.
The honor is administered by the Iowa State Dance and Drill Team Association (ISDTA), the governing body for high school dance in the state. The ISDTA works to promote excellence in dance education and performance throughout Iowa.
What is the All-Iowa Honor Dance Team?
The All-Iowa Honor Dance Team brings together the top 1-2% of dancers from Iowa high schools. Selected students learn a professionally choreographed routine and perform it together during the halftime show of the state basketball tournament championship game. This performance is a major highlight of the tournament and is broadcast to a wide audience, providing significant exposure for the student performers.
Spotlight on Knoxville's Honorees
The selection of two students from the same school is a significant achievement for the Knoxville High School dance program. It highlights the quality of coaching and the commitment of the student-athletes involved.
Iselynn Prevo: A Senior's Capstone Achievement
For senior Iselynn Prevo, this selection serves as a capstone to her high school dance career. Achieving this honor in her final year is a powerful acknowledgment of her consistent effort and leadership on the Knoxville Dance team. Her performance at the state basketball tournament will be one of her last major appearances as a high school dancer before graduation.
Senior athletes often view such honors as the culmination of years of practice and dedication. This recognition provides Prevo with a memorable experience to conclude her time with the program and a significant accomplishment to include in her future endeavors.
Abi VanderLinden: A Junior's Rising Talent
Junior Abi VanderLinden's selection showcases her impressive talent and signals a promising future in the sport. As a junior, she will not only gain invaluable experience from performing with the state's best but will also return to the Knoxville team next year as a recognized leader.
This experience is expected to enhance her skills and confidence, which will be a major asset for the Knoxville Dance team during her senior season. Her achievement sets a high standard for her teammates and demonstrates the potential for growth within the program.
Performance Venue Facts
The Casey's Center, formerly known as Wells Fargo Arena, is a 17,000-seat multi-purpose venue in Des Moines. It is the primary venue for state high school basketball and wrestling tournaments, making it one of the most prominent stages for student-athletes in Iowa.
The Role of the Knoxville Dance Team
Prevo and VanderLinden are integral members of the Knoxville High School Dance team. Throughout the fall, the team is a familiar presence in the community, known for its high-energy halftime performances at home football games. These performances are crucial for building school spirit and providing entertainment for local sports fans.
The team's focus shifts from sideline entertainment to intense competition as the fall season concludes. Their training and preparation lead up to the annual Iowa State Dance and Drill Team Association (ISDTA) State Championships held in December. This is the pinnacle event for high school dance teams in Iowa, where squads from across the state compete in various categories such as pom, jazz, hip-hop, and lyrical.
The state championship requires months of dedicated practice, choreography refinement, and teamwork. The success of Prevo and VanderLinden in the All-Iowa auditions reflects the high level of training and discipline instilled in the Knoxville program as they prepare for this major competition.
- Community Engagement: Performs at local sporting events, primarily football games.
- Competitive Focus: Prepares for the ISDTA State Championships in December.
- Skill Development: The program provides a foundation for students like Prevo and VanderLinden to achieve individual honors.
Looking Ahead to the State Performance
The upcoming performance at the girls' state basketball tournament will be a significant moment for both dancers. They will have the opportunity to collaborate with other top-tier dancers from different schools, learning complex choreography in a short amount of time and performing for a large, enthusiastic crowd.
This experience not only celebrates their individual talent but also represents Knoxville High School on a statewide platform. The community will undoubtedly be watching with pride as these two students take the floor to represent their school and their dedication to the art of dance.
