After improving their routine throughout the fall, the Dolores High School dance team performed at the National Dance Association State Competition on Dec. 5.

Krystle Hager, Courtney Corbitt, Ashley Brown and Sydney Giddings were on the team.

According to head coach Deborah Hager, the team performed a routine in the hip-hop category and placed 12th in the 23-team field.Most teams featured 12 to 23 girls.

"With dance, you have to compete against bigger schools," said Hager. "It's all one classification."

This season was the first for the Dolores dance team, which became a school-sponsored club before the season. Members raised funds throughout the fall to cover expenses association with costumes and travel.

"We raised money to cover all of our expenses and there is still money in our account," said Hager. We sold candy bars, participated in a 4-H concessions day and sold concessions for the booster club."

With its competition season now complete, the team will dance at halftime of some Dolores basketball games. The team will also hold a dance camp for preschool and elementary school students in January.

"We had a good year, and the future is bright," said Hager. "I'm so proud what the team accomplished."