The Marist Varsity Dance team will be competing in the state finals competition at Grossinger Motor Arena in Bloomington, Illinois this weekend. 

This is the girls second year attending the IHSA state finals. 

It is a two-day competition including 90-plus teams. The second day, which isn’t guaranteed, consists of only the top 12 teams in the state. 

Sophomore Sophia Landers, a member of the Varsity Dance team, says she’s very proud of her team and believes the strong bond they have will take them far. They rely on each other to steady nerves before each competition.

“I just talk with my team and get a good pep talk from my seniors,” she said.

“I believe in my team’s ability and all the hard work we have put in,” says sophomore Maddie Sise. 

The Marist community can watch the girls dance on the IHSA website Friday at 10:19 a.m. 

The Dance team will travel on a bus later Thursday with a drum line and all school send off.