Close Menu
Eden Prairie Local News
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Thursday, May 22
    • About
      • About EPLN
      • Team
      • EPLN in the News
      • Policies
    • Contact
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Threads LinkedIn
    Subscribe
    Eden Prairie Local News
    • Home
    • Schools
    • Business
    • Sports
    • Public Safety
    • City
    • Calendar
    • Subscribe
    • Donate
    • More
      • Construction
      • Outdoors
      • Politics
      • Health
      • Spirituality
      • Community Service
      • Legacy
      • Obituaries
      • Arts
      • Family
      • Holidays
      • Letter to Editor
      • Listen
      • Jobs
    Eden Prairie Local News
    Home»Sports»EP performance team shows its moves at metro showcase
    Sports

    EP performance team shows its moves at metro showcase

    Juliana AllenBy Juliana AllenOctober 15, 2022Updated:October 15, 20223 Mins Read
    Follow us on X to get the latest on EP Sports!
    Eagles flying high: EPPT showed off impressive moves at the annual metro showcase. Photos by Kristina Lybeck

    The Eden Prairie Performance Team (EPPT) delivered three high-octane performances as it hosted several metro area dance teams at a showcase on Oct. 8.

    Held on a sunny autumn day at Eden Prairie High School’s (EPHS) Aerie Stadium, the event also featured Blaine Dance Team, Chaska Fall Performance Team, Edina Junior Varsity and Varsity Hornettes, Edina Hip Hop, Holy Family, Minnetonka Junior Varsity and Varsity Performance Team, Maple Grove Dance Team, and St. Kate’s Dance Team.

    “The showcase serves as a recital to round off the season,” said EPPT head coach and EPHS alumna Emily Ophus. “It’s a chance for all of the teams to show what they can do, and also see what their competition will be like for the winter season.”

    The showcase has become an annual tradition — this was the seventh time EPPT has hosted it since 2015, with a year off in 2020 due to the pandemic.

    Advertisement
    Ad for Washburn McReavy
    • One of EPPT’s hip-hop routines.
    • EPPT’s “combo” routine contained aspects of jazz, kick, and pom.
    • EPPT performing a hip-hop routine.
    • High kicks from the Eagles.

    EPPT’s 50-strong team performed three different routines — two hip-hop routines choreographed by seniors, and a “combo” routine that contained aspects of jazz, kick, and pom, Ophus said.

    “The team danced this routine to a JLo mix, which was very fun and exciting,” Ophus said. “They ended the routine with a long, 50-dancer kickline, which is always a crowd pleaser.”

    The fall performance team is an athletic sport that follows Lake Conference guidelines, although the teams do not compete. “The Eden Prairie Performance Team is just that — a performance team. We live for school spirit and performing as well as interacting with the school at football games, soccer games, pepfests, etc. It is a great opportunity to be involved without the pressure of competition,” Ophus said.

    EPHS parents who watched the homecoming pep fest livestream in September will have seen the team perform for fellow students in the EPHS gym. EPPT also coached the “Senior Shuffle” performance. In addition to performing, Ophus and coaches Jenna Knutson and Lindsay Steinke focus on conditioning and preparing the team for the winter dance season.

    • Senior captains (L-R) Lauryn Unke, Anna Boedigheimer, Faith Black, Ava Rotsch, Siri Kotonias, Kahlen Ruzek, and Mara Wiley.
    • The hip-hop routines EPPT performed were choreographed by seniors.
    • Team coaches(L-R) Jenna Knutson, Emily Ophus, and Lindsay Steinke.
    • School spirit from the Eden Prairie Eagles fall performance team.
    • Team line up: Several metro-area high schools performed at the showcase.

    This year, 21 of EPPT’s 50 dancers are seniors, with seven senior captains: Faith Black, Anna Boedigheimer, Siri Kotonias, Ava Rotsch, Kahlen Ruzek, Lauryn Unke, and Mara Wiley.

    Ophus said she has coached the senior class for the last four years.

    “They are an extremely talented and passionate group of dancers — from their creativity in choreography to their school spirit at football games, they have an immense energy about them,” she said. “I am excited to see what they will do in their competitive winter season.”

    Comments
    We offer several ways for our readers to provide feedback. Your comments are welcome on our social media posts (Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and LinkedIn). We also encourage Letters to the Editor; submission guidelines can be found on our Contact Us page. If you believe this story has an error or you would like to get in touch with the author, please connect with us.

    Be Informed
    Sign up for the FREE email newsletter from EPLN
    Subscribe
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleEagles look ahead after rolling over Edina
    Next Article DD is a ‘champion of all’ on school board

    More to READ

    2 Mins Read

    EPHS synchronized swim team advances to state meet

    May 20, 2025
    3 Mins Read

    Big goals take Eden Prairie girls to Norway

    May 19, 2025
    3 Mins Read

    High-energy Eden Prairie Color Guard recruiting new members

    May 9, 2025
    Subscribe to get EPLN in your inbox for FREE!
    Recent Articles

    From blight to bloom: Overgrown lot to be transformed into pollinator garden

    May 22, 2025

    4 CMS students are winners in international video contest

    May 22, 2025

    Giant beaver is one signature away from becoming Minnesota’s state fossil

    May 21, 2025

    Eden Prairie High School program gives seniors a head start on careers

    May 21, 2025

    Shakopee man charged in Eden Prairie sexual assault of 15-year-old girl

    May 21, 2025
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    INN Network Member Guidestar Seal
    Eden Prairie Local News is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization EIN 85-4248265 | Copyright © 2020-2025
    • About
    • Policies
    • Jobs
    • Contact
    • Advertising
    • Subscribe
    • Donate

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.