Winslow High School Dance Line shines with back-to-back state titles, eyes set on nationals

By Robert Betis
Navajo Times

CHINLE – The Winslow High School Dance Line has secured back-to-back state titles in the AIA Game Day Dance Division III-IV Small category. The Bulldogs have not only brought pride to their school but also to their community, showcasing the power of sisterhood and teamwork.

Under the guidance of head coach Tamry Wright, who grew up in Winslow and was part of the same dance program, the team has achieved remarkable success. Wright, a lifelong dancer and former student at Winslow High, returned to her roots last year to lead the team, continuing a legacy built by her mother, who coached for over two decades.

The team’s journey to victory began in November 2023, when they claimed their first state title in the Game Day category, outperforming five other teams. Their success continued into January 2024, when they competed in the Traditional State competition, performing both a pom and a hip-hop routine.

In the pom category, they placed fourth out of 16 teams, facing competitors from private and charter schools. In the hip-hop category, they secured fourth place in an open division, competing against larger Division I schools.

“What’s pretty amazing about our girls is they’re multi-sport athletes,” said Coach Wright. “During football season, we have girls in volleyball, and right after volleyball practice, they come to dance practice. Now, as we prepare for nationals, most of our team is either in track or softball, and some also compete at a local dance studio. They’re involved in so much, but they still give 100% to everything they do.”

The Winslow Dance Line faces challenges as a small-town public school. Unlike many of their competitors, the team relies heavily on fundraising to cover costs, including bringing in out-of-state choreographers who have worked with championship teams.

“Our parents and booster club are incredible,” Wright shared. “They fundraise all year round, and we couldn’t do this without their support. It’s a big effort, but it’s worth it to see these girls achieve their dreams.”

Their hard work has not gone unnoticed. The team recently received a proclamation from the City of Winslow, recognizing their outstanding sports and academic leadership. Now, they are preparing to take their talents to the national stage, heading to Anaheim, California, in March to compete at the USA Dance Nationals.

The team qualified for nationals after earning first place in both pom and hip-hop at their regional qualifiers, along with a third-place finish in another routine. Four soloists—senior Shai Barton, junior Ailis Corum, sophomore Zoe Jones, and freshman Eva Johnson—will also represent Winslow at the competition.

“These girls are not just talented dancers; they’re amazing people,” Wright said. “They’ve been dancing together most of their lives, and they’re like family. They support each other, work hard, and set such a great example for the younger kids in our community. We do a dance clinic as a fundraiser, and it’s so rewarding to see our girls teach and inspire the young kids.”

For this team, the journey is about more than just trophies, it’s about growing into high-reaching achievers.

“The biggest thing we try to teach them is that you can achieve anything when you put in the work, no matter how busy you are,” Wright reflected. “They’re proof that with the right support system, you can overcome any obstacle.”