? Inside the Washington State Dance Drill Championships: Spirit, Skill & an Unforgettable Awards Show
What’s up, Dance Team World fam! I just got back from an incredible trip to Yakima, Washington, where I had the chance to attend Day 1 of the Washington State Dance Drill Championships — and let me tell you, it was electric. Even though my time in the area was short, the talent, energy, and production level of this event blew me away. Let’s dive into the details!
? A True Celebration of Dance Team Talent
Hosted inside the spacious Yakima Valley SunDome, the event was packed with everything you’d expect from a major championship — and then some. Performances spanned across all the classic categories:
- Pom
- Hip-Hop
- Jazz
- Lyrical
- Kick
- Show Production
And that last one? Show production? WOW. The creativity, the props, the staging — it was like watching a mini Broadway show every time one of those teams took the floor. So much talent, and such a wide range of skill levels were on display from school dance programs all across the state.
?️ The Yakima SunDome: A Perfect Competition Venue
The venue was built for events like this. There was plenty of room for teams, coaches, and family spectators. The layout was super thoughtful — spectators filled one side of the arena, while judges were positioned in an elevated section for a clear view of the routines. The opposite side was reserved just for performers, giving dancers space to prepare, breathe, and shine.
Outside? It was a full-on celebration. Think tailgate party meets dance championship. Teams were grilling, setting up tents and chairs, and just enjoying the vibe together. It felt like a true community event — and that made it even more special.
? How the Competition Was Structured
Divisions were based on school size, following the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA)classification system. On Day 1, two classes of teams competed; a different class took the floor the following day. I wish I could’ve stayed for the entire weekend because the diversity of programs across these classes was so exciting to see.
? The Best Awards Ceremony I’ve Ever Seen
No exaggeration — the awards ceremony was one of the most memorable experiences I’ve ever had at a dance competition.
After a brief break where teams grabbed snacks and shopped for merch, something magical happened. People started showing up in glow-in-the-dark outfits, glowing crowns, LED wands, and even lightsabers. The energy was building.
Then the lights in the SunDome went dark, and the awards ceremony began.
One by one, team captains were introduced and sprinted around the arena floor, hyping up the crowd. The vibe? It felt like a Taylor Swift concert — the screams, the lights, the energy. Captains formed a giant glowing circle, and the WIAA began announcing the winners. Only captains were allowed to accept the awards, which made it feel official, elevated, and deeply meaningful.
❤️ A Full-Circle Moment
One personal highlight: seeing so many teams who participated in my virtual Dance Nationals back in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. To watch those same teams now — thriving, rebuilding, and dancing with joy — was incredibly moving. It was a powerful reminder that what we did during that time mattered.
I even got to reconnect with several of the coaches from that event, and it filled me with gratitude for this amazing dance team community we’re all a part of.
? Final Thoughts
Washington, you showed up and showed out. From the performances to the production to the unforgettable award ceremony — this event had it all.
If you ever get the chance to attend the Washington State Dance Drill Championships, do it. Whether you’re a dancer, coach, judge, or proud spectator, this event is a perfect example of what school-based dance team is all about.
? Big love to Washington — I’ll definitely be back!
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Until next time —
Activate, Dance Team World