Triton Dancers Celebrate Successful Season

by Emilie Jenson, Public Information Office
Posted on 4/13/2023

The Iowa Central dance program continued to impress on the national level last week as it competed at the National Dance Association (NDA) Nationals held in Dayton Beach, Fla., on April 5-9.

The Triton Dancers took three selections to Nationals this year, competing in the Junior College Hip Hop, Open Spirit Rally and Open Pom divisions.

“This was our first time in 13 years of competing to take three routines to nationals so that was a really big feat for us,” said Iowa Central Dance Coach Cassidy Vermeer.

In the Hip Hop Division, Iowa Central placed fourth.

“We competed against some bigger schools in Hip Hop,” said Vermeer. “Each year that changes and you never know what challenges we’ll see at Nationals.”

Competing with six teams in the Open Pom division for the first time, the Tritons secured a top three finish in the preliminary round, earning a coveted spot in the finals.

Iowa Central finished second in pom, just behind Blinn Community College. Also competing in open pom were larger NAIA schools Point Park, Ottawa University Arizona and Missouri Baptist. Connors State Community College also competed in the division.

“The first-place team (Blinn) in Pom was very talented, so to finish just under them was a huge accomplishment for us,” Vermeer said.

Spirit Rally finished in third place, competing against NCAA DIII school UT Dallas and NAIA Central Methodist University in the Open Division.

With three routines, Vermeer said it was the first time the whole team was able to perform at the national level.

“We were able to take all 25 girls to compete at nationals,” she said. “That was a first for us and we are excited that we could give all of them that opportunity to compete on the national stage.”

The Dance Team will showcase their nationals routines and more when they present the 15^th annual year-end performance “Curtain Call” on Friday evening, April 21 at 7 p.m. in Hodges Fieldhouse.

The show will feature halftime routines from throughout the year, graduate solos and small groups, and the always popular co-ed dance. Studio dancers from United All Stars and Melinda’s School of Dance will also perform.

There will also be a silent auction with artwork, Iowa Central apparel, themed baskets and gift certificates available to bid on.

“Curtain Call is our largest fundraiser of the year, and it is always a fun show,” said Vermeer.

Admission to Curtain Call is $5 for adults, $3 for students and $1 for Iowa Central students presenting student ID.