Whether at football games, energizing the crowd at pep rallies, or showing their moves at school events, the Stoughton Dance team plays a significant role in fostering school spirit. Unlike traditional sports that compete in games or matches, the dance team combines athleticism and art to engage and entertain our community. While other athletes focus on the scoring aspects and winning championships, the dance team’s success is measured by their ability to captivate an audience, make the right movements, and bring in energy.
The Stoughton Dance team recently took part in the Wisconsin Association of Cheer and Pom Coaches Southern Regionals. High school dance teams from the southern region of Wisconsin compete in various categories, such as Pom, Hip Hop, Jazz, and Kick, which aim to advance to the state-level competition. Regionals occurred on Saturday, Jan. 25, at Middleton High School, where teams performed throughout the day. The Stoughton Dance team participated in Division Two Hip Hop and Division Four Pom performances. Beyond the team’s impressive showing, one dancer’s performance secured her a spot at state.
SHS Junior Braelynn Bratz, a third-year dancer and team leader during the fall season, qualified for state by placing in the top 25 of the D4 southern region. “The best part about being able to attend this past season was the atmosphere. Some of my teammates came with me and supported me. So overall, qualifying and being there with my team felt like such an honor,” Bratz said.
State was held at the La Crosse Center on Feb. 1, 2025, featuring about 1,200 dancers. Bratz competed at the D4 solo. As a first-time state qualifier, it was not easy for Bratz. When performing at state, about 100 schools from the southern and northern regions competed, but with hard work, Bratz placed in the top 36, making a good accomplishment for her this season.
Bratz explained that being close to her team meant a lot to her, “My team feels like a second family to me. Over the season, we get close, and by the end of the season, our team dynamic is the strongest it could possibly be, which is such a good aspect for our team,” Bratz said.
Stoughton Dance Team coach Audra C. Jensen has been experienced in coaching for eight years and is making this her 4th year at Stoughton. She found that she had never seen the bond of a team as this one. “My athletes know I have the highest expectations for them. They are expected to excel on the dance floor, in the classroom, in the community, and in their work life. I feel this is important as it prepares them for the real world outside of the walls of SHS,” Jensen said.
As they concluded their season in March, Coach Jensen reflects back on the season about team goals in which one of them was about respect. “The goal for this season was to earn respect. From themselves alone, each other, and school. They truly did meet the goal of respecting themselves and each other. Great relationships and friendships are with respect,” Jensen said.
Being part of this team is more than just competition; it is also about personal growth, discipline, and building lifelong skills. “Each one of them wakes up every day and chooses to make it a great day for themselves and others,” Jensen said. “On cloudy days, they truly bring sunshine to those who need it. Good people first. Good dancers second.”
