Long-Time NDA Competitors Take the Stage

Lake Central High School has been competing at NDA Nationals for many years and knows what it takes to land in the top spot. They are ready to bring top notch routines to nationals this weekend in the Large Varsity Hip Hop and Jazz categories. 

The team's motto this year is “leave the team in a better place than when you started.” The dance team plans to leave nationals with this mindset and the potential hardware that comes along with a championship win.

Other than warming up in Florida and leaving the cold temperatures of St John, Indiana, the Centralettes want to showcase their hard work and connect with the audience. They are excited to hit the stage knowing they have talent that isn’t limited. Coach Kevin Mathis tells us to “look for how deep the talent is front to back. We are an older team and we love that our back row could easily dance in the front row!”

Refining such talent is no easy task. Coach Mathis says they perfect their routines by first building the stamina, then setting the motivation for the moment and, finally, getting down to the details. He definitely knows his stuff when it comes to dance teams. Mathis has been with Lake Central for the past 30 years!

For 2018, their Hip Hop routine was choreographed by Toya Ambrose, who incorporated a variety of styles that include whacking/waaking, tutting, breakdance, all while balancing feminine movements with hard hitting moments. 

Lake Central tried to step away from the trend of choosing slower more lyrical-based music in the hopes of standing out with their Jazz routine in 2018. The team went with something that will showcase their strengths, elite skills and lifts with more memorable musical cues. Choreographer Bri Lakomy keeps their specific talent and knowledge in mind when creating a great routine. Senior captain Paige Kotecki has a special moment in the Jazz routine this season.

“My favorite moment of our competition dances is the ending of our jazz piece when the music goes back to an eerie lull.  At that moment, the whole performance kind of hits you, and you can really reflect on what kind of impact you left on the floor — it just feels rewarding.”

Kotecki acknowledes how competitive NDA High School Nationals is and how it tests the team’s abilities. She knows how much the pressure evokes certain reactions and is ready to see how they all push through.

Although nationals is the time to get down to business, Lake Central feels it’s more than just winning. Coach Mathis’ takeaway is more than the titles.

“I absolutely love getting to know my dancers and being part of one of the most critical time periods in their lives. Because after high school, it’s real world stuff.”

You can expect to see some incredible routines from the Lake Central Dancers as you witness mature young dancers who have been set up for success and giving their all on the NDA stage. Watch LCHS compete at NDA High School Nationals this weekend on Varsity TV!

By Megan Miles

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