School District Five dancers shine at State Competition

For Immediate Release – March 2, 2026

School District Five dancers shine at State Competition

IRMO – Lexington-Richland School District Five dance teams earned State Titles and other awards at the South Carolina Dance Association (SCDA) Championship.

The SCDA State Championship was held February 21, 2026 at York Preparatory Academy. Students from Chapin Middle, Chapin High, Dutch Fork Middle and Dutch Fork High competed and placed in numerous categories.

“I am incredibly proud to coach the Dutch Fork High School Varsity Dazzlers and to be part of a district that values and supports dance at such a high level,” School District Five Lead Dance Teacher Maddy Thiemann said. “It is truly special to teach in a community where dance programs are given the opportunity to grow, compete, and excel across the state and the country. Out of eight high school categories across the JV and Varsity divisions, students from Lexington Richland School District Five secured seven — an achievement that speaks to the talent, work ethic, and dedication of our dancers and coaches district-wide. Not only are our students excelling at the state championship, but these high school teams also compete on the national stage, representing our state at high school national events each year. Their success reflects a culture of excellence, commitment, community, and pride that extends throughout our entire district.”

Middle School Solos

4th - Annabelle Scurry (Chapin Middle)

9th - Gwinn Summers (Chapin Middle)

10th - McKinley Summers (Chapin Middle)

High School Solos

3rd - Briana Valverde (Chapin High)

Middle School Titles

Hip Hop State Champion- Chapin Middle (First in program history)

3rd Place Pom- Chapin Middle

JV Titles

Jazz State Champion- Dutch Fork High

Pom State Champion- Chapin High

Hip Hop State Champion- Dutch Fork High

**All JV categories won by D5 schools

2nd Place Jazz- Chapin High

2nd Place Hip Hop- Chapin High

Varsity Titles

Hip Hop State Champion - Dutch Fork High

Jazz State Champion- Chapin High

Lyrical State Champion- Chapin High

Pom State Champion- Chapin High

2nd Place Hip Hop- Chapin High

3rd Place Game Day- Dutch Fork High   

###