Tumwater’s Dance Team Adds Two More State Championships

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By Tom Rohrer

russell dentistry logoWhen she took over as head coach for the Tumwater High School Dance Team 18 years ago, Kim Hille didn’t think it was possible to ascend to the program’s current status.

“No, I had no idea that we would be in this position today,” she said.  “(The program) has turned into a monster but in a wonderful way. We just keep growing and growing every year.”

At the March WIAA Dance and Drill State Competition in Yakima, Tumwater won a state championship for the eighth consecutive year and the tenth time in eleven years.

The T-Bird Dance Team earned the state championship in the Hip Hop and Dance categories and finished second to Capital High School in the Pom category.

Tumwater_dance_2Had Tumwater earned a title in Pom, it would have been the second consecutive year the T-Birds had swept the three categories.  In 2013, Tumwater edged Capital 270 to 265.5 in Pom scoring, at that point the T-Birds fifth consecutive state championship in the category.

Despite falling a state championship short of last year’s total, Hille was equally, if not more impressed, with her team’s performance.

“Actually, our performances were a lot better in all three categories.  We received a superior ranking in the three and our Pom score of 285 was the highest we’ve ever received at a competition,” she said.  “It was just really tough and we got edged out.  We were right there and I’m happy the way all three (performances) went.”

Every year, Hille instills the goal of a peak performance into her team. Following the months of rehearsals and practices leading up to the State Competition in late March, the T-Birds consistently deliver their best showing when it matter most.

“That’s what we always talk about with the girls, peaking at the right time and making sure we perform our best at the right time,” said Hille, whose team performed at a Seattle Seahawks playoff game in January. “It takes a lot of work ethic, drive and practice from the girls to get to that level.”

The T-Birds high level of preparations are matched by their mental toughness and poise to perform in intense settings like the State Competition.

“The atmosphere is intense so our goal is to maintain calm energy,” Hille said. “Instead of watching other teams, we sit together as a group.  There is a lot of focusing, mediating, listening to music and marking in our heads what we need to do.   We don’t let the craziness of competition get to us.”

tumwater danceExperience helps in high pressure settings and Hille has been able to rely on a stable of upperclassman for leadership and instruction.

“We only had three seniors this year but I’m fortunate we had 14 juniors and only five new varsity members,” she said. “Everyone knew the expectations, what it would take to reach the level I wanted them to.  They don’t get rattled.”

Spending hours in the gym practicing and traveling to competitions has allowed the group to become much more than just a team.

“It’s a family and that’s honestly what the girls would tell you,” said Hille.  “They’re great friends, they leave drama out of everything.  As a coach, you couldn’t ask for a better group of kids.”

When you have hardworking, talented student athletes working together for a common goal, the surrounding public is sure to take notice.  During the T-Birds decade plus run of success, Hille has had a strong parent network that was on full display in Yakima.

“Every one of the girls who was performing had their parents there.  We had a lot of JV parents show up to support as well,” Hille noted. “It’s pretty overwhelming, just seeing that support.  We know it’s a long trip, but I’m not surprised at all.  They’re great supporters, and without them, this program wouldn’t be where it is today.”

Hille was also impressed by the appearances from several faculty members from Tumwater High School.

“Athletic Director, Tim Graham, was there.  Principal, Jeff Broome, showed up with his family and Assistant Principal, Penny Therrien, was there as were a few other teachers,” Hille said. “I’ve never seen that here, and it really meant a lot to the girls to receiver that support.  They were very, very excited.”

tumwater danceFollowing the state championships, the Tumwater Dance Team will take a break until mid-May, when they will begin rehearsals and tryouts for the varsity team next year.  This past season, the Tumwater JV Dance Team was coached by Corryn Fine, a former THS dance team member who recently graduated from Washington State University.  Fine’s squad participated in a collection of competitions throughout the year and scored higher than their varsity opponents on several occasions.

On top of her Tumwater duties, Hille coaches the Bush Middle School dance team and two other parks and recreation squads.  This pipeline she has created has been an integral part of the Tumwater varsity team’s success.

“The younger girls see the high school team winning championships, going to nationals, and they want to be a part of that,” said Hille.  “They understand what’s expected of them once they get into high school and what it takes for the program to continue its success.”

Now armed with down time following the end of competition season, Hille is ready to replace routines with sandy beaches and sunshine.

“I’m going to Mexico,” Hille said with a laugh. “Let’s just say it’s much needed.”

And certainly well deserved.

 

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