The Benilde-St. Margaret’s Knightettes were named the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) Class AA Jazz Dance State Champions on Friday, Feb. 16. The victory was hard-fought, as the Knightettes needed a double tie-breaker round to earn their second state title in three years.

“From the beginning, this team set a goal and through hard work, dedication, and confidence, we achieved it,” said dance team captains Hannah Blackwood ’25 and Sloane Dokman ’25, “This jazz team stayed hungry, always wanting to make the best of each performance, working 110% throughout each practice, and knowing they had to focus on what they could control.”

Samantha Cameranesi, BSM’s dance coach saw the team build confidence in themselves throughout the season, knowing they had put in the hours necessary to work successfully as a team and were capable of always putting their best foot forward. “This jazz team stayed hungry, always wanting to make the best of each performance, worked 110% throughout each practice, and knew that they had to focus on what they could control.”

On Friday, Feb. 16, this meant competing twice to reach the finals. After competing in the final round, the Knightettes were tied with the reigning state champs from Orono High School. Presenting their “Pompei” routine, the Knightettes danced with precision and passion, leading them a one point victory over Orono’s dance team.

“This year’s team was tight knit from eighth graders all the way through the seniors, creating a special bond off the floor that translated onto the dance floor,” Cameranesi said. During the Jazz Dance competition, Dokman and Blackwood were named to the All-Tournament Dance Team for their outstanding efforts.

On Saturday, Feb. 17, the BSM dance team competed in the Class AA High Kick category and for the second time in school history, medaled, earning a solid third place. In 2022, the team earned second place and the first time a BSM dance team medaled in the High Kick category of MSHSL competitions. During the High Kick competition, Lauren Adams ’25 and Molly Giertsen ’25 were named to the All-Tournament High Kick team for the quality of their performances.

“We are beyond proud of the grit, hard work, and pride this team had in their kick routine this season,” Cameranesi said, noting, “With half of the team being rookie kickers (never competing at State before), the upperclassmen and leaders on the team stayed calm, confident, and led the team to prove that BSM has both an elite jazz and a strong high kick dance teams.”

This year’s routine was one of the most visual routines BSM has presented, taking their efforts to a new level. Overall, the BSM dance teams have remained focused on confidence and teamwork, supporting one another at practices and competitions and also in school.

Congratulations to the Knightettes, we are #BSMproud of their accomplishments as student-athletes and state champions.