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03/03/2023 09:36 AMThe Branford High School (BHS) dance team competed at the CIAC State Championships on Feb. 25 at Hamden High School, and the Hornets once again displayed why they are one of the more preeminent programs in the state of Connecticut.
Branford finished first in both the Small Varsity Jazz and Hip Hop Divisions to mark the team’s 25th state crown overall, with its 15th in the hip hop category and 10th for Small Varsity Jazz. It was also the eighth consecutive season that the Hornets harvested dual state championships.
“Much like the history that is rooted in our titles, this season has been like no other,” said senior co-captain Ava DeMilo. “We have created a bond that has only grown stronger as we continue to pursue our passion for dance. The team promised each other that we would ensure that each performance would be better than the last, which is what we did. We went on that dance floor and danced our hearts out for the love we feel. We started this season with an open mind and had no expectations about our placement by judges in any competition. We were truly dancing for ourselves and each other and for love. We danced each performance like it was our last.”
With regard to the title-sealing hip hop routine, Head Coach Megan Palluzzi recalled that the girls dug deep and went a bit outside their comfort zone. They had a new choreographer to compose a challenging performance that was well worth their efforts when all came to pass.
“This was a routine that challenged our girls because it was based on intricacy of movement versus heavy tricks, which was previously a focus and something to expect from BHS dance team hip hop routines,” said Palluzzi. “We worked with a new choreographer who opened our eyes to different styles, including technical aspects of hip hop that we hadn’t tried before. The team came out with fire and performed the heck out of the routine. It was the cleanest it’s ever been; their facials and energy sustained through the one minute and 57 second routine, and they came off feeling electric! They fought to not only communicate stronger than ever, but also not give up on themselves and fight through the final two songs of the routine that take incredible stamina and athleticism to execute.”
Speaking to the jazz outing that brought home the gold, Palluzzi exclaimed that the Hornets put in a near-perfect performance that stirred up many emotions within the team and amongst the spectators.
“The jazz routine showcased individual and team talents, and it was executed strongly,” said Coach Palluzzi. “They sat in the pocket of the music and let their quality of movement shine through, which is something we’ve been working really hard on this season and something we’ve struggled with in the past. Their performance moved many to tears, and their connection was effortless.”
Basking in the afterglow of the double victories, the Branford athletes and coaches are equally proud of their efforts and dedication to a small, close-knit family that put nothing short of their best into its craft every single day.
“[Winning the state titles] means more than words can describe,” Palluzzi said. “To the team, it proves that a small team can still be mighty and come out on top; it means that hard work pays off and that when you focus on the importance of relationships off the stage, it’s going to translate to power and connection on the stage. To the coaches, it means that the risks were worth it, that the legacy that came before this season is one that we are proud to continue on, and that we couldn’t be more proud to lead this team.”
The focused but light-hearted atmosphere helped the Hornets navigate the waters to stay on top and continue their prestigious pedigree.
“There is obvious pressure going into the State Championship from year to year to defend the titles,” said Palluzzi. “But a mindset this team set early on was that our goals were to make each performance better than the last and to take each chance to dance as it comes and to turn nerves into confident energy. This season has been one with some of the least amount of stress because we’ve been having just an incredible time together and letting that empower any negative feelings or thoughts or doubts.”
Juniors Avery Clouse and Sadie Zalewski, plus seniors DeMilo and co-captain Jillian Vandale, made the All-State Team on the day. DeMilo and Vandale also earned All-State Academic Team honors.
“Our unwavering bond and commitment to each other were the key factors to our success this season,” said Vandale. “When we dance together, we do it for the sole reason of appreciating our shared love for this sport and team. While the title of 2023 State Champions is sweet, the real win of the day was getting to share our love and feel the love that brought us together. I am so proud of this team’s hard work and dedication. I thank the Branford dance team for giving me friends and family for life.”
Branford now moves onto the New England Championships on Saturday, March 11, at noon at Bellingham High School in Massachusetts and will look to exhaust every single last one of its collective efforts in both divisions.
“We are heading into Regionals with no real expectations and goals other than to leave everything we have left on the floor in our final two performances of the season,” Palluzzi said. “We want to make them our best yet, come off the floor with no regrets both times, and celebrate an incredible season with our seniors watching them dance for the last time, which will be emotional, to say the least.”
The full roster for the Hornets is comprised of sophomores Isabella Iagrossi and Meredith Rebmann; juniors Mia Borzillo, Fiona Brunson, Clouse, and Zalewski; plus senior captains DeMilo and Vandale. Palluzzi is aided by assistant coaches Tess Palluzzi and Jacqui Montano.
“There isn’t enough time and there aren’t enough words to describe how this team has grown as a group this year,” said Palluzzi. “They came off of a season where they weren’t feeling connected, lost a large number of teammates and only gained one, didn’t feel confident in themselves or their talent, and were working through hardships from COVID seasons that were hard to navigate mentally. This season, they made their bond a priority, and from moment one, clicked on another level and had a shared story to tell throughout the season. They took risks with us trying new things, spent time really getting to know each other, and supporting each other inside and out of dance. They included the coaches in this, and through that created relationships that were not only filled with love but also trust. They also worked really hard to keep their bodies and their minds strong knowing that with a small team, we had no alternates to rely on if injuries were sustained.”