Owatonna Dance Team hosts Big Nine Championship

ODT dancer Addy Johnson stands as the centerpiece for the finale of ODT’s jazz routine at Federated Court. ODT hosted the Big Nine Championship last week and finished second place overall. Staff photo by Johnnie Phillips
Loud music and excited cheers filled the Owatonna High School gymnasium Friday when the Owatonna Dance Team (ODT) hosted the 2025 Big Nine Conference Championship.
The privilege to play host is cycled between all member schools, with this season being Owatonna’s opportunity to show off its new home.
“It was really, really good to host because we got to be on our home floor where the girls love to perform,” said ODT Head Coach Nikki Gefre.
All team’s started with their jazz performance, and ODT’s comfort on their home stage was evident from the start.
ODT went on to win jazz for the third consecutive year, toppling the competition by only receiving five total rank marks.
The team’s five managed to out-rank Austin’s six to make signify ODT had the cleanest performance in the category.
“Our team just handled it so well. There wasn’t ever a stressful moment. We were just so excited to be out there on the floor,” said ODT senior Norah Kath.
After jazz came the kick category.
ODT was highly competitive again, but this time Austin managed to pull away with a 5-7 rank-point advantage.
Scoring for the overall came down to the combined total of the two performances’ ranked points.
As a result, Austin was able to narrowly escape with the win at 11-12.
ODT’s second-place finish is the second consecutive year the team has finished with silver.
“It’s honestly the people who keep showing up. This is the biggest group of seniors that we’ve had. They’ve all been here since their eighth-grade or freshman years. They’ve continuously showing up through all seasons to be here for us,” said Gefre on the keys to the team’s success.
Leading the way for ODT is the “leadership team,” a montra given to the squad’s 10 senior athletes.
“I think the leadership team was probably one of the best possible things for the connection of our varsity team. Being the 10 of us all having that impact and say on what we’re doing, and creating the vibes and energy that we bring to practice every day, it’s really united our team,” said Kath