EP Dance Team invites prospectives to April 3 info session, April 22-24 tryouts

Eden Prairie High School’s (EPHS) dance team (EPDT) is preparing to welcome its next wave of dancers this month with an information session, prep clinic, and tryouts for students currently in grades 6 through 11.

An information session will be held at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 3, at the East Commons of EPHS. A prep clinic for interested dancers will be held at the high school from 5 to 7 p.m. on April 10 and 16. Tryouts for the 2024-25 season will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on April 22 and 23 and from 5 to 9 p.m. on April 24.

Prospective members can also fill out an interest form or email epdtcoach@gmail.com.

Ella Madland, one of this year’s senior captains, encouraged prospective dancers to try out. “I would say to go for it and put yourself out there,” she said.

Madland stressed the importance of being confident during tryouts. “Trust yourself and know that you can do this,” she said, adding, “it’s OK to be nervous. This team is so amazing and an honor to be a part of, so if anyone is on the fence, let this be your sign to try out.”

Fellow captain Daniella Andrews echoed Madland’s enthusiasm. “My advice would be to push yourself out of your comfort zone and try new things,” Andrews said. “Everyone is so supportive of each other, and we want to make a space where everyone feels confident.”

Andrews said the team has a unified culture and strong commitment toward the same goals. “We’re a big force all working hard together everyday to achieve the same dreams and aspirations in this sport,” she said. “You can expect to grow as a dancer and person, make so many memories, and find friends and people who will be in your life forever. It’s truly the best decision I have ever made to try out.”

Madland said dancers who join the team will discover their strengths and weaknesses, and learn how they most effectively receive feedback. Additionally, they will learn how to make their voices heard within the team.

“You will learn many lessons that are relevant to dance and also to challenges you may encounter in the future outside of dance,” she said.

A ‘resilient’ season

Caitlin Rogotzke, EPDT’s head coach, also encouraged dancers to try out for the team, for which she had only praise.

EPDT faces some of the toughest competition in the state every year as part of the Lake Conference and Section 2AAA.

“I am so incredibly proud of the positivity, teamwork, and grit the team showed this season,” she said. “They represented our program and our school through true athleticism, grace and determination.” 

Rogotzke said if she could characterize the season in one word, it would be “resilient.” “The team never gave up and continued to work hard throughout the season at all levels: B squad, JV, and Varsity,” she said.

Rogotzke also had high praise for this year’s seniors, most of whom she has coached since they joined as freshmen during the pandemic.

“They have a very palpable bond as a class and work incredibly well together,” she said. “They not only worked hard throughout this season and previous seasons but they continuously supported one another, and have the biggest passion for dance and this program.”

Rogotzke said her favorite part about being their coach was watching each dancer put in the work needed to achieve their goals.

“I cannot wait to be their biggest cheerleader as they continue to work hard and dream big in this next chapter of their lives,” she said. “Once an Eagle, always an Eagle.”

A strong team bond

Andrews said it was “an honor and an incredible experience” to be a captain this year.

“I not only learned so many lessons about how to be a strong leader in an athletic environment, but I also learned important traits to carry into my future,” she said. The most rewarding part was being a part of something bigger than myself. Putting the team in front of my needs.”

Madland said the most rewarding part of being captain was seeing each dancer’s personal growth over the course of the season. “In just a short time, these dancers worked insanely hard and made huge gains that were evident to everyone,” she said. “I felt an immense amount of pride for each dancer after their final performance of the season, and I still do to this day.”

Andrews said she will miss the second family she created through this program: “Between the coaches and girls you meet, the people have such an impact on your life.”

Madland said the support of the 35-member team was a special experience she’s grateful to have had.

“Our team works hard and goes through both triumphs and setbacks together, and that is what makes our bond so strong,” she said. “Through grit and hard work, I have made long-lasting memories with people I might not have known as well if it weren’t for EPDT.”