Newberg High School Dance Team Wraps Up Season at State

NEWBERG, Ore. — After six months of hard work, more than 80 practices, seven competitions, a special performance at an NBA G League game, and a season filled with achievements, the Newberg High School Dance Team has concluded its 2024-25 season. The season ended with a strong performance at the OSAA State Championships in Salem on Saturday, March 22.

This year, the Newberg High School Dance Team reached multiple milestones, earning its highest competition scores, competing at seven competitions, performing at an NBA G League Rip City Remix game, and taking the floor at state in both 6A Hip Hop and Pom.

At 5:40 p.m. on Saturday in Salem, the Newberg dance team took the state championship floor for the first time, performing its hip-hop routine. The routine paid tribute to 2000s pop icon Britney Spears, opening with “Gimme More” and featuring sharp choreography.

“Tiger Dance is taking you back to the 2000s with a tribute to pure Britney magic. Buckle up for a match of some toxic beats where intensity and rhythm collide. As Britney once said, you better work it, dancers,” the announcer said as the team took the floor.

An hour later, at 6:40 p.m., the team returned for its pom performance, a fast-paced, high-energy routine that had the crowd cheering as the dancers took the floor one final time as a team.

For head coach Erin Donovan, it was a moment filled with pride and emotion.

“As I watched them on the floor for the last time, I had tears in my eyes, not only from being so proud of all their hard work this year but also from the love I felt for each girl on that floor,” Donovan said. “Our last performance at state was emotional—not only for the dancers but also for me.”

State Championship Results

Hip-Hop Division:
1st place: Sherwood, 87.25
Newberg’s score: 65.42

Pom Division:
1st place: Sherwood, 94.03
Newberg’s score: 68.46

For the Newberg dancers, this season was not about scores; it was about community, teamwork, growth, and making lasting memories together.

“It was the first time this season I felt like the girls were dancing out of pure enjoyment rather than dancing for a score,” Donovan said. “You could see on their faces how much they were enjoying themselves out there, and that means everything.”

For the team’s four seniors, it was an emotional farewell as they said goodbye to their teammates and coaches for the final time.

“We are always like a family. We always support each other when we need it,” said one senior dancer. “We received a lot of support from our coaches.”

As multiple seniors wrapped up their final season on the team, Donovan reflected on their impact.

“I can’t even put into words how valuable our senior dancers were to the team,” she said. “As they move forward into their next chapter of life, I hope they will keep shining as their unique selves, as that’s what made them so loved on our team.”

Season Achievements

• Seven competitions, including state
• Highest competition score of the season: 74.33 (previous season high: 68.75)
• Average competition score this season: 67.12 (up from 62.87)
• Five halftime performances at NHS football games
• Three halftime performances at NHS basketball games
• Special performance at Rip City Remix

“The Rip City Remix game was a really enjoyable experience,” Donovan said. “It gave the dancers a chance to perform in a non-competition setting where they could truly enjoy themselves and showcase their talents to a wider audience.”

Now that the 2024-25 season is behind them, the Tigers are setting their sights on next year, aiming for even higher scores, stronger performances, and another shot at state.

“We’ve proved that we can be a team that scores in the 70s,” Donovan said. “I want to see more consistency in those scores across every competition. We’ve come a long way, but there’s still work to do to enhance the program’s visibility in Newberg and beyond.”