Menomonie Dance Team Kicks Off Their 2025-26 Season

By Sydnie Hoppa

Menomonie High School’s dance team officially began their 2025-26 season in early November, alongside many other winter sports. 

MDT currently has twenty members split into two teams: a varsity and a JV. Varsity consists of fourteen dancers, and have three routines that they will perform at competitions throughout the winter, along with solos from a select few. JV has six members and will perform two routines at their competitions.

Off-season practices took place throughout the summer and fall, providing both teams with opportunities to get a head start on competition season by learning their routines before winter. Unfortunately, not everything goes to plan and there were a few losses to both teams before November. The roster quickly shortened, and only twenty total girls were left. With these losses came a long list of challenges: routines had to be changed to fit less people, spirits were low, and dancers were unsure of the team’s future for the season.

But that didn’t stop them. They persevered, spending long, full day practices going over and relearning everything they were taught from the summer. Their spirits began to lift and everyone was more dedicated and determined than ever. Despite the difficulties they faced, the team emerged stronger than before, ready to dive head first into the season with confidence.

So they did. Practices have been hard but successful. Varsity has two of their routines learned, with JV having both of theirs done as well.

“Looking past the hard summer is an amazing year with fully committed girls. I am excited to see our hard work pay off and our team succeed,” commented Jess Mensing, a senior and captain on the MDT.

MDT is just under one week away from their first competition, Menomonie Holiday Classic. This is the competition they host every year on the first Saturday in December. It will be followed the next weekend on the 13th by two competitions; varsity will travel and compete in Little Chute, while JV will compete in Fire Up at Eau Claire North the same day.

On January 10th, they will compete in Conference, which is being hosted by New Richmond this year. Then, on the 24th, varsity will attend regionals at DC Everest. If they advance onto state, they will compete on February 6th and 7th, depending on what routines make it. JV will compete in their state competition on January 31st.