? Inside Miss Dance Team Minnesota: The Premier Solo Dance Competition in the State
By Activate | Dance Team World
Hey Dance Team World — it’s your dude Activate, and I just wrapped up an unforgettable weekend at Miss Dance Team Minnesota, the #1 solo dance competition for high school dancers in the state of Minnesota! If you’ve never heard of this event before, buckle up — I’m about to take you inside everything that makes this two-day solo and duet/trio event so special, so supportive, and so Minnesota.
? What Is Miss Dance Team Minnesota?
Now in its 20+ year history, Miss Dance Team Minnesota has become the gold standard for solo dance competitions in the state. Held annually at Eastview High School in Apple Valley, just outside Minneapolis, this event is part of the Miss Dance Drill Team USA family — America’s longest-running national dance competition.
Miss Dance Team Minnesota is open exclusively to middle school and high school soloists, duets, and trios from Minnesota-based school dance programs. That’s right — school teams only — and that’s part of what makes this event so elite.
? Wait… Minnesota Dance Teams Can’t Compete Out of State?
Yep, it’s true! Due to regulations, Minnesota high school dance teams are not allowed to travel out of state for nationals. That’s where Miss Dance Team Minnesota steps in — it provides dancers with the ONLY pathway to compete nationally through the elite Team Minnesota selection. More on that later!
? Day One: Interviews, Technique, and Duets/Trios
Day one kicks off with 12th grade soloists, who are evaluated in two major categories:
- ? Judges Interview: Dancers answer questions related to the dance team world — it’s relaxed, but still professional.
- ? Technique Spotlight: In a separate gym, soloists show off their skills, tricks, and strengths that may not appear in their routine.
Later that day, duets and trios take the stage — and let me just say, the production quality was top-tier. What looked like a regular school gym was transformed into a high-impact performance venue with LED lights and professional sound. Major props to the production staff for the glow-up!
After awards for duets and trios were handed out, the night wrapped with a masterclass workshop led by one of Minnesota’s legendary coaches — a highlight for so many participants.
?♀️Dancers Compete Without Coaches Hovering
Because the event happens before the official Minnesota high school dance season begins, coaches aren’t allowed to coach, direct, or hover over dancers backstage. That might sound wild to folks from other states, but here? It’s the norm — and it’s one of the coolest aspects of this competition.
Dancers are fully independent, gaining confidence while navigating the experience on their own. Coaches still show up, though — as fans, volunteers, and even masterclass instructors — which gives the event a deep sense of mutual respect and community.
? Day Two: All About the Solos
The second day is dedicated entirely to solo routines across grades 6–12. Here’s how it breaks down:
- Grades 6–11 are judged on their dance routine only.
- 12th graders have their interview, technique, and dance scores combined for their final evaluation.
The biggest moment of the event? The announcement of the Miss Dance Team Minnesota State Solo Champion — the highest-scoring 12th grade soloist in the entire competition!
✈️ Team Minnesota: The Road to Nationals
Here’s where it gets even more exciting: select dancers are named to Team Minnesota, giving them the once-a-year opportunity to compete at the national level.
These dancers will represent their state at Miss Dance Drill Team USA Nationals in California — the longest-running national dance team competition in the world. And guess what? College dance programs are watching. Many Team Minnesota dancers have gone on to be recruited by elite teams like:
- University of Minnesota
- Ohio State University
- University of Iowa
…and more!
? Thank You to the Legend Herself
A massive thank you to my friend and longtime colleague, the iconic Jenny Raiche — former head coach of the Eastview High School Lightning Dance Team and the current director of Miss Dance Team Minnesota. She’s brought national-level prestige and unmatched excellence to this beloved state event.
Although my interview with her was sadly lost due to stolen hard drives (long story ?), her leadership shines through in every detail of the competition.
? Final Thoughts
Miss Dance Team Minnesota isn’t just a competition — it’s a rite of passage for high school dancers in Minnesota. It’s where future champions, college recruits, and confident soloists are born. The energy, the structure, the independence — it’s unlike anything else out there.
To the dancers, coaches, judges, and staff who make this event possible — thank you for keeping the spirit of school-based dance alive and thriving.
See you next at the Minnesota State Dance Tournament 2024 — I can’t wait!
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