Larson twirls past adversity in making dance history by being named first team all state

Throughout the Wildcat dance season, the West squad has certainly experienced their fair share of hoops to jump through. Sophomore Kendall Larson has managed to overcome obstacles of all shapes and sizes to find success regardless.. Since October, Larson has danced in a total of four competitive routines, including a solo, duet alongside freshman teammate Alli Kohfeldt, and both a team pom and kick routine. All of this hard work resulted in an appearance at State, setting a West record as the youngest dancer to be named to first team all state..

“I wanted to challenge myself this year and see what I could improve on in my dancing by getting that individual feedback,” Larson said. “I also loved the creative control I could have in my own routine.”

Despite the challenges of such a diverse load, Larson appreciates the growth that accompanies it.

“If anything, it made me more motivated and improved my dancing by adding this on. I was getting more practice” she said. 

Larson’s work ethic was certainly kicked into overdrive as she practiced her array of routines for weeks in preparation for the competitions. As solos demand some of the best and precise individual choreography, Larson had to get creative. 

“The skills that I added in the beginning of choreographing, I couldn’t execute them as well, but throughout the season I got a lot better at them,” she said. 

When competition season rolled around, Larson’s solo received the highest marks from judges, as she could be counted on to snatch consistent high rankings. At the team’s first competition in Ashwaubenon, Larson started off with a bang as she received a medal to accompany her 21st place out of a total of 50 performers.

“I scored the best at Ashwaubenon compared to some of the other competitions” she said. 

One month later, at the team’s home invitational, Larson performed her solo yet again. Home gym brought additional pressures..

 “I felt more compelled to do my best on our home court and in front of members of our community” she said of the meet, where she managed  to secure first place out of 12 varsity performers. 

At the team’s regional competition in Kaukauna, Larson previously suffered a dislocated thumb while performing a jump split earlier in the day. Though her solo still stood strong, she competed via virtual submission against 244 other D1 soloists to ultimately receive a state-qualifying place. 

“I was shocked, being that I had been through a lot that day, and it was really surprising. It seemed odd that an underclassman like myself could place for my solo” she said. 

With state right around the corner, Larson needed to make modifications.

 “I had to re-choreograph my routine to prevent me from using my thumb” she said.

One week after regionals, Larson, her coaches, and fellow teammate Morgan Reitz traveled to La Crosse for the Wisconsin state dance competition. Larson competed in person once again and landed herself a spot on the first all-state team. This is the highest ranking a soloist could receive at this competition, as only less than the top half out of 61 performers qualified for this team. Beyond her achievements, Larson has taken a great deal away from this season’s experience.

 “Having confidence on the floor individually is so important, and I know that was something I needed to work on, so that’s why I chose to take on this challenge” she said.

By Morgan Reitz

Oshkosh West Index Volume 118 Issue 5

February 22nd, 2022.