WABASHA-KELLOGG – We’ll kick things off Saturday with a reception-themed kick routine from Wabasha-Kellogg! This marks the team’s third consecutive trip to State, and this season, they’re ranked 9th on the Leaderboard. Their highest scores come from the Choreography and Routine Effectiveness categories, where they’re averaging a 6.4 in each. The routine utilizes the floor well, and with a week of refining details, they have the potential to elevate their score.

HOLDINGFORD – The defending State Champions will compete second on Saturday with a superhero-themed routine! Last season marked the program’s first-ever State medal, and they’re eager to build on that success. The routine moves fluidly across the floor, featuring unique formations and choreography distinctive to this program. This year, Holdingford is ranked 3rd on the State Leaderboard with an average score of 69.7. Some missed connections and formations at Sections presented areas for improvement, but with focused adjustments, we can expect them to be in the mix for their second State medal.

CROSBY-IRONTON – This creative and energetic kick routine captures everything that makes up a day of competition for these athletes. I especially love the school bus moment—it’s a visually engaging and clever touch. After advancing to Finals in both 2022 and 2023, Crosby-Ironton narrowly missed out last season, finishing 9th. The build into a straightline set to Natasha Bedingfield’s “Unwritten” adds a powerful storytelling element as they fight for a Finals return in 2025. Currently ranked 5th on the Leaderboard with a score of 67.8, they’re well-positioned to make a strong push.

HAWLEY – This routine is packed with dynamic movement and ever-changing formations! Hawley is making its third consecutive trip to State, continuing to build its legacy. Last season, the team finished 11th, and this year, they’re currently 8th on the Leaderboard. I’m especially excited to see their straightline transition, as it highlights the complexity of their formations. If executed sharply, it will be a standout moment.

NEW LONDON-SPICER – The Blackcats are bringing Janet Jackson to the Class A State Kick floor, and this routine is so much fun to dance along with! Last season, they made program history by advancing to Finals and placing 5th. This year, they’re sitting in 10th, but with an untested field where they have yet to face all of today’s competitors, anything can happen. Some execution errors at Sections left room for growth, and I anticipate those will be cleaned up to boost their score.

LAKE CITY – The Lake City Dance Team advances to State for the 20th time in program history and the first since 2023. This season, they’re bringing a high-energy and aggressive kick routine set to metal music—a bold contrast to the previous five performances. The routine features standout soloist moments and rapid formation changes. After missing last year’s tournament, they return ranked 6th on the Leaderboard with a score of 64.8.

CANNON FALLS – Following the metal concert vibe, Cannon Falls brings us a rock concert-inspired routine! They stand out with quick transitions, and the figure-eight formation is one of my favorite highlights. Last season, they placed 7th, and this year, they enter the tournament still holding the 7th spot, trailing the 6th-ranked team by less than a point. Expect a high-energy performance as they fight to return to Finals for the first time since 2022.

LQPV-DB – The Shadows have medaled at State every year since 2018, and this season looks to be no different. Currently ranked 1st on the Leaderboard with a score of 71.1, they shine in Choreography and Routine Effectiveness. This year’s routine uses the floor in innovative ways, blending intricate group work with overall team difficulty. The transition to a straightline is particularly impactful, maximizing both visual appeal and technical challenge.

MONTEVIDEO – The Gold Dusters made a long-awaited return to Finals last season for the first time since 2016. This year, they’re bringing a pom-themed kick routine to State, currently ranked 11th on the Leaderboard. Their focus will be on refining execution and kick technique to push their score higher. The routine bursts with energy from start to finish, and I love how they incorporate school pride to fully embrace the pom theme.

CATHEDRAL – Though it’s winter, Cathedral will have us feeling like it’s summer with this swim-themed routine! They lead the state in kicks, averaging an impressive 6.9 in the category, and their moving kick combinations showcase their ability to maintain strong technique while increasing difficulty. After winning back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023, they finished last year in 4th. With just over a point separating them from a top three spot on the Leaderboard, we can expect to see this routine twice on Saturday and battling for a medal.

AITKIN – The All Starz return to State after a three-year absence, and their routine is so seamless that you almost forget there are only eight dancers! The mirrored transition in “Everlasting Love” is a personal highlight, and their Gloria Estefan-themed performance will have everyone bouncing in their seats (and maybe even on their feet). I can’t wait to see this routine come to life on the Target Center floor and am already excited for what this program will bring in the future.

YELLOW MEDICINE EAST – Closing out Class A Qualifying, the Silhouettes bring a dark horse-themed routine that starts with a visually striking opening and only grows in intensity. Yellow Medicine East has qualified for State in Kick every season since 2000, medaling each year since 2019. Last season, they finished 2nd, and this year, they enter the competition ranked 2nd on the Leaderboard. With their track record and momentum, I anticipate another Finals appearance and a strong shot at the podium.