Coming off State Large Division championship and runner-up finish in the South-West Conference championships — both in the Jazz category — Newtown High School’s dance team has high hopes for another strong campaign.

Already underway with the dancers performing at halftime of football games during the fall, the season really kicks into high gear with postseason competition fast approaching. The team members will continue to work hard on routines in practices and entertain fans at basketball games as they prepare for the February 4 SWC championships at New Milford High and February 23 state competition (site and time to be determined).

“We hope to regain our SWC title and remain state champions. We also strive to perform fun routines at football and basketball games,” said Newtown Coach Cheryl Stenz, whose team has been second to Brookfield each of the last two years in the SWC, after edging Brookfield for the title in 2016.

“Our biggest competition at the state tournament is from Fairfield Warde in Hip Hop and Branford in Jazz. They have solid routines every year, and we always hope to be on par with them,” Stenz said.

Newtown lost two dancers to graduation and gained seven newcomers this season. The squad is led by captains Francesca D’Aprile, Caroline Reichmann, and Ashley Russo.

“We have been working together since August and combine hard work with fun. These girls are not only great teammates, they are involved in lots of activities and still manage to put in time in the community — most recently helping (with the Women in Newtown) Thanksgiving Basket Drive on their snowy day,” Stenz said.