The Solon High School Dance Team competed at the Ohio State Dance Competition on Feb. 8, 2026 in Dayton. They earned second place in their division after a season of preparation and teamwork.
Solon competed in regionals on Jan. 9 and qualified for states. This season was especially competitive, with Solon finishing just half a point away from first place, losing to Marietta High School.
Samantha Austin is a senior at Solon High School, and the captain of the Solon High School Dance Team.
“This has been our most successful season so far,” Austin said. “Last year, we also got second in the state, but we were only half a point away from first this year.”
Despite those challenges, the team worked together to develop and refine their routine throughout the season.
Tina Uhl is the head coach of the Solon High School Dance Team that led this team throughout the season, and on the path to states.
“This year I let our captain choreograph our entire dance, and then the rest of the team contributed to it,” Uhl said. “The whole team was tweaking it, so everyone was invested.”
Preparing for the state competition required months of conditioning and practice to ensure the team could compete at a high level.
“Lots of stretching like gravity splits,” Austin said. “Also, practicing multiple times a week to build up stamina, since doing 100 kicks in only two minutes is a lot”.
Throughout the season, the team had to overcome a variety of challenges, such as a difficult practice schedule, and several additional issues that created obstacles for both the dancers and the coaching staff, according to Uhl.
“Making sure we were prepared was the main focus,” Uhl said. “It was during winter break, so it was really rough to ensure that we had enough time to practice.”
Team members said the improved preparations, like leadership and more coordinated practice this year, helped the competition season run more smoothly.
Alina Liao believes that last year’s team was far less ready for the competition as they were this year.
“I think this year’s competition season went a lot better than last year’s because we were more prepared and didn’t have to change things at the last minute,” Liao said.
After the performance, coach Uhl reflected on the team’s effort and dedication throughout the season.
“I was proud of the whole thing and really proud of them,” Uhl said. “By the time you get to the states, you pretty much know what to expect, you’re at the top of your game by the time you get to states.”
