The Lincoln-Way West Dance Team is coming off a historic 2023 season, finishing as state runner-up—an achievement that Coach Melissa Sweeney describes as “phenomenal.”
After years of being a top contender, the team’s strong performance last season marked a breakthrough, and as the 2024 season begins, they are poised to build on that success with a mix of experienced seniors and a talented younger roster.
“I thought last year went extremely well. We worked really well together, and it was all about getting better every day,” said Sweeney. “We finished as the state runner-up, which was huge for us. We’ve been in the top 10 many times before, but to finally have that trophy presentation at state was an unforgettable experience for everyone.”
Despite graduating a few key seniors, the 2024 team remains confident and energized for the new season.
“This year, we have a younger team, but we also have a lot of veterans,” Sweeney said. “I think things look great for this year.”
The team has gained a reputation for its athleticism, particularly in hip-hop routines that showcase their dynamic skills.
“We’ve always had very athletic teams here, and hip-hop is a genre that really plays to our strengths,” Sweeney explained. “We like that it’s crowd-pleasing and something everyone can enjoy. We focus on having fun and delivering high-energy routines that stand out.”
Teamwork continues to be a central theme for the 2024 squad. Senior leaders Ava Swidergaltter, Isabel Kostecki, Sadie Lazzari, and Lindsey Dust are committed to fostering a strong team culture. For Swidergaltter, the key to success is positivity and collaboration.
“We are a team, so we have to work together. That’s the main reason we succeed—everyone contributing and working toward the same goal,” she said.
Kostecki emphasized that the team’s focus is not just on winning, but on continuous improvement.
“A lot of teams focus on winning, but we don’t want to focus on that,” Kostecki said. “We want to stay open-minded, adapt to changes, and just work on making our routine better each day.”
Patience is another important characteristic for this year’s team, according to Lazzari.
“Patience is a big key,” she said. “You have to be patient with each other, especially when you’re making corrections. Taking feedback is important for the whole team to improve.”
Dust added that connection and trust among teammates are essential for success.
“Having a team that trusts each other and knows each other deeply—that’s what really makes a team,” Dust said. “We all want the same thing: to be proud of what we perform.”
Kostecki reflected on the unforgettable experience of winning the state runner-up title last year. “It was such a cool experience, especially for the girls who hadn’t been to state before. Just walking out from behind the curtains—it felt unreal.”
As for the 2024 routine, Coach Sweeney teased that the choreography will maintain the team’s signature athleticism while adding new elements.
“We’re still working out some things, but we’re well known for our interesting formations and how the routine flows together,” she said. “We’ve got the same choreographer as last year, and we’re excited to see how it all comes together.”
The team is also prepared to handle challenges like injuries, which can disrupt the precision of their routines.
“We have 24 dancers, but only 20 perform in the routine,” Sweeney explained. “Our alternates are always working on different aspects of the routine, and if we have a gap due to injury, we’re ready to fill that spot.”
One of the team’s favorite events each season is sectionals, where the dancers have the chance to show off their routine in its final form. Swidergaltter pointed to the sectional competition as one of her highlights.
“Sectionals were really fun because we knew our routine inside and out. It was that last chance to show what we’ve got, and we came out as sectional champs.”