As the Royelles’ dance team season comes to a close, the team hopes to stand out from their competition through their hard work and positive attitude.

“Everyone was really excited going into [the season] because we gained a lot of younger girls from Summit Dance Shoppe,” said Lauren Goodman, junior captain. “But we had to turn them into dance team girls because studio dance and dance team are really different, and there’s a lot of maturity that goes into being on varsity dance.”

Though there was new young talent from the freshman and eighth grade classes, the Royelles did not achieve immediate success.

Starting the season with two fourth place spots, a slightly disappointing result for the team, the Royelles worked to move into their mid-season meets with full strength. Taylor Rosenzweig, junior captain, felt that their attitude was a large asset.

“The girls this year have a nice drive and want to do really well. We have a nice connection, we get along really well, and I think that shows on the floor,” Rosenzweig said. “[After two fourth place finishes], we got the energy back.”

The Royelles went on to take home a second place finish just behind Wayzata and above 2015 state participant team Edina at home in early December.

“It reminded us that hard work pays off, and when we got fourth the week before, we were all super motivated to try really hard during practice because we wanted to at least get first, second, or third,” said Kyla Kristal, senior captain.

Looking forward after a huge upturn to their season the Royelles have it cut out for them at sections.

At each meet the Royelles are scored by five judges and critiqued in different categories such as routine effectiveness, creativity, skill level, and practicality. To make it to State, the team will have to place within the top three of their section.

“The only day that matters for state is sections, but our section is super hard,” Kristal said.

The section includes Maple Grove, Chaska, Wayzata, Edina and Eden Prairie high schools all of which are high competitors for the Royelles.

Rosenzweig agrees with Kristal that the sentiment and has acknowledged the pressure that comes with competing in sections.

“It’ll be really hard because there are ten teams that deserve to be on the State floor, but only three get to go,” Rosenzweig said.

However, the Royelles remain optimistic and will continue to work hard toward their end goal.

Their next meet will be this Thursday, Jan. 14, at Eden Prairie High School at 7 pm.