Mound Westonka High School juniors Alexa Leonard and Ali Ogle competed at the 2024 Dance Team Nationals March 15-17 in Ontario, California. After competing at the regional competition in October, they were selected for Team Minnesota along with 33 other athletes representing 16 different schools from across the state. The team competed in three group numbers - hip hop, jazz and lyrical - and all dancers performed solo routines as well.  

This was Leonard’s and Ogle’s first time competing in the regional competition and being selected to represent the state of Minnesota. Within the 11th grade division, Ogle took first place and Leonard took fourth place overall.

After just returning home, Ogle said, “The experience was so fun, so much team bonding and dancing.  My favorite part was taking the master classes.”

With a successful weekend in California behind them, the two athletes will continue dancing with their respective studios and will start looking ahead to their senior seasons with the Mound Westonka Dance Team. But the memories from such a special experience will linger for a while. 

“It was an honor to be chosen for Team Minnesota and dance alongside the best in the state," Leonard reflected. "It was an unforgettable weekend, and I had so much fun getting to know everyone better.”