AUSTIN – For the second consecutive year, Austin has advanced to State in Jazz, performing to Mumford & Sons’ “Thistle & Weeds.” The way this routine unfolds and then pieces itself back together at the end is a highlight for me. This season, the team ranks 10th on the leaderboard, with their strongest scores coming from the Routine Effectiveness category.
MOUND WESTONKA – The first of two back-to-back “When Doves Cry” routines will come from Mound Westonka. This program has advanced to State in Jazz every season since 2007 and has appeared in Finals each year since 2017. This season, they blend fierce jazz choreography with refined ballet technique, seamlessly integrating both throughout the routine. Currently, the team ranks 5th on the leaderboard with impressive scores in Choreography and Routine Effectiveness.
TOTINO-GRACE – Last season, the E’Gals finished 4th in Jazz, and this year, they aim to continue their success by advancing to Finals and securing their first jazz medal since 2022. Totino-Grace is also performing to Prince’s “When Doves Cry” and currently leads the leaderboard with an average score of 82.9. The team makes strong use of the floor, and their choreography features creative partnering elements not often seen from other programs.
MONTICELLO – History was made at the Section Tournament as Monticello qualified for State Jazz for the first time! The team will bring us back to the lyrical category with a routine set to “Young and Beautiful.” Their performance balances crisp attack and power with soft, flowing artistry that mirrors the song’s emotional depth. Ranked 6th on the leaderboard with an average score of 70, they have a shot at making even more history with a Finals appearance.
CHISAGO LAKES – Chisago Lakes heads to State Jazz for the fourth consecutive season. The team placed 8th in 2022, 11th in 2023, and 10th last year. This season, they enter ranked 11th, earning their highest scores in Choreography and Difficulty (each averaging a 6.5). With a focus on improving Execution (currently a 5.9), they could see a rise in both their scores and final placement.
ORONO – Over the past four seasons, Orono has earned a jazz medal, and this year, they are poised to extend that streak to five. Currently ranked 3rd on the leaderboard with an average score of 82, their routine to Barbara Pravi’s “Voilà” builds beautifully with the music and features standout choreography moments. The intensity and focus this program brings each season make them captivating to watch. With a strong qualifying performance, they could once again find themselves in Finals, battling for what would be their second program title.
BECKER – Becker makes its fourth consecutive State Jazz appearance after finishing 6th last season. This year, they take the floor with a routine set to Aretha Franklin’s “A Rose Is Still a Rose,” currently ranked 8th. Impressively, less than two points separate them from 6th place. Their routine features wonderful skill combinations, with standout group and level moments. I especially love the cartwheel from the ground as it aligns perfectly with the lyrics. Their strongest scores come from Routine Effectiveness, where they average a 7.5.
BENILDE-ST. MARGARET’S – Benilde-St. Margaret’s has earned a State Jazz medal every season since 2007, and this year, they look to defend their 2024 title with a routine set to Wyn Starks’ “Who I Am.” The routine exudes confidence from start to finish, with impressive skill combinations—particularly the jumps out of the first team pirouette. Ranked 2nd on the leaderboard with an average score of 82.4, they are a near-lock for Finals and will be strong contenders for another title Friday night.
SIMLEY – Simley returns to State for the first time since 2021, competing to Phil Collins’ “Against All Odds.” The routine capitalizes on the larger beats of the song, emphasizing key musical moments. Currently ranked 12th on the leaderboard, Simley’s highest scores come from Routine Effectiveness, where they average a 6.4.
SOUTH ST. PAUL – For the second consecutive year, South St. Paul has advanced to State. Last season, they finished 12th, and this year, they rank 7th, just one point behind 6th. A focus on Execution and Routine Effectiveness could propel them into Finals for the first time since 2018.
ST. FRANCIS – This marks the third State appearance for St. Francis, who first advanced in 2021 and finished 7th last season. This year, they enter the tournament ranked 9th with a score of 67. Competing to Eminem’s “Till I Collapse,” their strongest scores come from the Choreography category, averaging a 7.2. The team makes excellent use of levels and groups while highlighting the team’s library of skills. This routine packs a punch and continues to show the diversity of jazz routines we have in this state!
HOLY FAMILY – Holy Family has advanced to State in Class AA for four consecutive seasons, making Finals each of the past three years. In 2024, they finished 5th, and this season, they enter ranked 4th on the leaderboard with a score of 78.1. Competing to Lady Gaga’s “Always Remember Us This Way,” the team utilizes the music brilliantly, incorporating strong team skills and well-executed accents (I love the horizontal line ripple!). This routine is Finals-bound, and with the right performance, they could earn their first AA medal.