Championship Culture
The large ensemble Avon Black and Gold Dance Team brought home its sixth state championship this spring. Not only has the large ensemble, consisting of seven dancers, won six consecutive state titles, but the entire Avon Dance Team won the state championship in 2025 — the first time in Avon history — and they continue to grow.
Victoria York is the varsity coach for Avon Dance and was on the team herself in high school. She knows all too well about the students’ challenges and what they need to do to accomplish such success.
“For me, it was an outlet. I think a lot of kids in high school are just figuring out who they are in a cutthroat world, and they’re learning they’re good in one area and not so much in another area. It’s the stress of becoming an adult,” York says. “Dance is a release, a bonding experience and, for those kids who aren’t as outgoing, they find their friends, their ‘home’ and their confidence through the dance team.”
It’s not your typical dance program, either. They’re learning jazz, lyrical and hip-hop choreography with the entire team and, for some, another set with the ensemble team, all with technical skills, lifts and advanced techniques to really shine.
Earn your way onto the large ensemble team and it becomes even more demanding, with higher-level choreography, more practice time and more skill required to compete at their level.
Slack off and a younger classmate who is putting in the work just might take your spot.
York holds her team to a high standard, both in and out of competitions, regularly reminding them that they represent their entire team and Avon.
“The varsity team is pretty tough. They have to commit to it from the beginning because it’s important to learn the techniques. They have a class period four days per week to work on the football season and game-day performances, and after fall break, we really get heavy into choreography and practice four to five days per week after school for competition,” York says.
The majority of dance team members are training at another outside studio, and it’s not uncommon for them to spend three to five days per week there in addition to the time spent at school.
“They’re all practicing in a dance studio, they’re doing strength and conditioning training, extra tumbling classes and we talk about healthy eating too,” York says. “Overall, I’ll bet they’re spending from 3:30 to 10 p.m. doing something that leads back to dance and developing those skills every day.”
The competitive season runs from December through early March, and the team even practices every day over Christmas break.
But despite winning year after year, York says the team never knows how a performance will go. One slip can cost them the championship, so while they’re confident in their hard work and dedication, everyone is holding their breath as winners are announced.
“They get really excited for competitions. Every year, I try to instill in them that there’s always going to be someone better than you in any part of life. You have to continue to push yourself,” York says. “I think they’re hopeful but not expectant when it comes to winning.”
Under York’s direction, the dance team has increasingly become more competitive over the years. Several years ago, there were 18 to 20 dancers on the varsity team and around 18 on the JV team.
Now that number is down to 12-15 — the best of the best in competitive dance.
Avon Dance is also competing at the national level, placing in the top six year after year.
York is calling the 2026-27 season a “rebuilding year.”
“We had seven seniors graduate this year but six returning varsity members. I’m excited to see where we go this fall, and they’re already putting in the work,” York says.
That’s right, as soon as the state championship concludes, there are a few weeks off before tryouts are underway for the new season, and York is already placing new dancers on the team.
Even the middle school team is becoming more competitive as Avon youth find their passion in dance, and more and more, colleges and recruiters are seeing the value of dance teams. Scholarships are being offered, and the dancers can see a future using their skills.
However, perhaps more important than practices and trophies is the culture created by coaches and dancers alike.
“For me, the best part as a coach is seeing each person transform and grow up a little bit more,” York says. “The older students begin taking an ownership and leadership role for the team, and it’s all very inclusive. Our coaches are invested in creating this culture of ‘We Are One.’ We have to be whole to be successful.”
