Members of the defending South-West Conference champion dance team from Newtown High School put their best feet forward in this season's SWC championship competition at New Milford High School on January 30. Newtown was dethroned by Brookfield, which won both the hip hop and jazz divisions, but the Nighthawks are still among the best in the conference. They placed second in both divisions after impressive performances that displayed their skill and versatility.

The Nighthawks had captured one of both of the SWC crowns each year during a stretch of four consecutive campaigns.

"I'm very proud of everyone's hard work and am looking forward to polishing the routines for states," said Newtown High Coach Cheryl Stenz, whose squad will look to retain its state jazz title and go after a hip hop routine trophy after a runner-up finish in that category last winter.

The state championships will be held on Saturday, February 25, beginning at 11:30 am.

Members of the team are: Allie Indelicato, Caitlyn Argraves, Kamdynn Moroney, Riley Smith, Emma Short, Lauren Villamana, Grace Walter, Arline Almeter, Ellie Daigle, Annalise Saraceni, Francesca D'Aprile, Cailin Blessey, Katie Lurie, Julia Barnum, Caroline Reichmann, Danika Rasmussen, Ashley Russo, Rachel Swensen, Kylee Raiano, Kaitlyn Tripodi, Ali Fernand, Grace Bianco, and Payten Krikorian.