The 8 Count Audio Podcast

Mar 11 2026: Setting An 88-Dancer Routine

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 18:44:12 +0000

One coach, 88 dancers, one morning rehearsal -- and a routine with different skill levels and styles, learned over a couple weeks on YouTube! Hear Paige's techniques for getting this year's All-State Dance Routine performance-ready!

Feb 25 2026: IDTA State In Springfield

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 23:51:48 +0000

The most impressive things Norm saw from his court-side seat at IDTA State -- soloists, future high school DT stars, and wildly competitive categories. And that one loud team across the hall at the hotel.

Feb 12 2026: Between Two States

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 03:49:58 +0000

Behind-the-scenes tidbits from IHSA State weekend in Bloomington, plus the team prep for IDTA State in Springfield!

Jan 29 2026: IHSA State Week

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 17:39:10 +0000

We're going slider-sized, tall, slim--whatever's on the lighter side of your fave menu board, really. It's state week '26 and we've got some insider perspectives on team prep, mental frameworks, and even a few fan tips!

Jan 22 2026: Chances At Each Sectional

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 21:28:23 +0000

Sectionals week! And sick week for one of your co-hosts. We've got some mental health notes and tips for any stage of the Illinois dance postseason. And year 2 of looking at each sectional: how many teams are locks, in good shape, in the mix, and on the edge?

Jan 14 2026: Now Entering Conference Craziness

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 18:58:31 +0000

The stress of hitting the button! 2 peeks: what's it like in your heads as you head towards the postseason? And what's life like on the other side of the music table at comps? Is it time to start looking in every corner of the rubric for that extra tenth of a point? AND: time to say goodbye to some great routines...even before anyone's actually eliminated!

Dec 31 2025: Hitting the season reset button

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Thu, 1 Jan 2026 03:18:36 +0000

Chillin' on winter break? Confirmed. But it's also that time of the season when teams reshuffle priorities, whether its goals or which dance they're planning to focus on from here on out. We look at the possibilities of different formats for Illinois high school dance competitions before stirring that huge pot of hot cocoa: where's the line between grit and just being a person?

Dec 24 2025: Will Today's Routines Look Cheesy In 25 Years?

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 16:24:13 +0000

Since we're posting throwback videos of old routines over winter break, we have to ask: will today's trick-filled routines look cheesy in the year 2050? We also decode some 8CA vocabulary including how to count songs that aren't in counts of eight. And we go deeper into a key piece of advice that alums often give to current dancers.

Dec 17 2025: What Do We Know After Four Weekends

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 02:25:32 +0000

Four competition weekends into the season and we assess what we've learned about Illinois' competitive dance teams so far. Is it enough to form sectional fields? And does an elimination-format tournament work for a technique-based sport? We also check on a few mid-December mental wellness tips, and also hear from dance teams alums returning to their home floor competition.

Dec 10 2025: Putting 8CA Beliefs and Lenses Into Action

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 21:58:25 +0000

All those 8CA ideals -- inclusivity, breaking down walls, knitting together a single Illinois pom and dance community, understanding the links between the past and present, highlighting diversities of dance experiences -- are the core beliefs that end up driving our content and events. We also hear from two of Comp Weekend 4's competition hosts, Batavia and Evergreen Park!

Nov 27 2025: Two Trends So Far This Season

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 01:38:53 +0000

After two competition weekends here in Illinois, we note a couple interesting trends and offer some theories explaining them (well, just the 2nd one, because for the 1st one...Norm took too much time to nerd-out on music details). We've got a short dive into one scenario that all teams should practice for...and what the crowd should or maybe shouldn't do when it happens! We also share some quotes from coaches and dancers on what 8CA means to them (awww....).

Nov 19 2025: 8CA's Role On Comp Day

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 20:14:20 +0000

What's the mindset behind 15 seasons of dance-by-dance commentary? We reveal the 8CA comp day experience and what goes into the supportive posts for each dance, both from Norm's perspective as the 8CA main person and Coach Paige's (as a former 8CA competition reporter). Plus our Saturday afternoon gameday chats with the Glenbard West dancers!

Nov 11 2025: Comp Day Tips For New Dancers And Fans

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 03:34:04 +0000

Flippin' the script--this time, we have Paige answer the typical 8CA interview questions! Then we jump into some essential info for competition day, whether you're a rookie dance team member or a newbie fan in the bleachers. Along the way Norm reveals a theory about which types of teams tend to lead to a little more time before the next routine starts. The Maine West Warriorettes get the spotlight with 3 interviews from their final regular season home game / homecoming / first night doing sidelines!

Nov 5 2025: How To Defrost Competition Choreo

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Wed, 5 Nov 2025 19:18:59 +0000

With competition team tryouts wrapped up (in Illinois), it's time to defrost that comp choreo that's been in the freezer for a couple months. How do you jump back into that choreo, and do tryouts affect how you think about your routines versus when you learned it over the summer? And with the focus totally on competitive season routines, do dance teams tweak their practice agendas? Hear all the fun chats with the Glenbard East dancers, including a couple fascinating "would you rathers!"

Oct 29 2025: How To Sink A Season Part 2

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 21:17:35 +0000

Heads up for two little college life snippets near the front and the end of this episode, re: parking and soft serve ice cream. Speaking of eats, there's a standard recipe for collab routines between 2 teams, and the spicier choreo recipe, which is what Norm got to see on a recent Friday night between Glenbard East and South. Are fall tryouts for real or just a formality? And what do you if you need letters of recommendation for tryouts? We've got part 2 of How To Sink A Dance Season (and some solutions), and chats with Lincoln-Way Central and Buffalo Grove.

Oct 22 2025: How To Sink A Season Part 1

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 15:33:42 +0000

Time once again to challenge the AI transcription as we hype pom work and the upcoming comp season! We share some wisdom from the 8CA office dry erase board, whether you're a coach, dancer, or an 8CA content creator. Norm reveals the top song on his wishlist of songs that teams should do a lyrical to, and Paige comes close to spilling the beans on her song. For part one of "how to sink a dance program," we share a few of the mountain of responses from coaches and dancers--things like drama, dark clouds, toxic leaders, favoritism, and "just one bad routine." Dessert: excellent interviews with the dancers and coaches from Hillcrest and Lincoln-Way Central.

Oct 15 2025: Could ranked scores make a difference?

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 21:03:58 +0000

As we three-step-turn toward the end of the regular season for fall halftime, we look at the different ways a dance team can enter the field for their halftime dance. If you’re a regular listener you know we love exploring the different practice and performance surfaces that dance teams use — and we think we’ve found the ultimate challenge. And what state has state soooo early? We apply one state’s comp placement system to the Illinois score system and discover a LOT about what they have in common but also a major shakeup in one of our simulated comps.

Oct 8 2025: But we practiced it slower, and where's my pom?

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Wed, 8 Oct 2025 14:52:13 +0000

Half of this podcast hosting team just scored a LOT of free coffee, so that's our vibe in this one! As we inch toward weather where you can actually wear some fall fabrics, we look into the pluses and minuses of when the band plays the song slower or faster than how you practiced it, and what that does to your dancing. And it's part 2 of "dropped poms" where we look at the domino effect later in a routine when a pom gets dropped. We've got chats with more Neuqua Valley dancers and part 1 with Plainfield East's Bengalettes!

Sep 30 2025: Dropped Poms, Friday Nights So Far

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Wed, 1 Oct 2025 03:21:46 +0000

Drop it or leave it? It's the Catch-22 of pom performance situations. And for senior night routines where each senior gets a solo -- do you wanna go first, last, or in the middle? For those of you around the country dancing to "How Low Can You Go," you've got a built-in musicality lesson on syncopation (we'll tell you exactly where in the song). Paige and Norm trade observations on Friday nights so far, including 3 legendary programs in Illinois competitive dance but in their fall identities. You'll learn about Paige's biggest fear, the team with a hefty gym banner, and the team that put mental wellness first by stepping back, and now coming back! See ya, September!

Sep 23 2025: What Do You Call Your Coach Part 2

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 22:16:46 +0000

Go with the flow--accept that first crease in your shoes or poms! More coach name examples submitted on our Instagram plus an awkward name story from the early, early 8CA days. We sprinkle in a few fun moments from halftime dances weekend 3, including an uptick in complexity and polish, and a coach who we're pretty sure got her name out there, literally. And it's the first batch of interviews with members of the illustrious Montini program!

Sep 17 2025: What Do You Call Your Coach Part 1

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 00:40:20 +0000

How much of a difference do fresh poms make -- when they're stored right? And we name the St Louis-area poms team that just might solve the Cardinals' attendance problem. Plus: the truth about following a game while on the sidelines, and why the end of the 2nd quarter is slow as molasses. And we celebrate 909 day with a mini tribute to that classic drum machine, complete with 8CA-made examples...and the next big club dance hit! We also look into what dancers call their coaches -- part 1! Stick around for interviews with Warren's new coach, a pair of Devilettes rookies, and a good chunk of the Fremd Poms!

Sep 11 2025: Halftime Routines -- First Impressions

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 02:13:08 +0000

Love this trend: pro sports dance teams getting respect, and how their dancers can come up from anywhere! We look into the upside of running an extra fall tryout, a prediction for a lyrical music trend, another music trend we hope never happens, and dancing to your marching band at halftime. Looking at the first batch of fall routines, Norm shares his ice cream analogy when it comes to sharpness. And how much winter vibe should go into your football dances? Mooooore convos with the Warren Devilettes and the dancers from Oswego East.

Sep 2 2025: The Engagement, Top 25, and Freshmen

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Wed, 3 Sep 2025 00:33:29 +0000

Friday nights, for real! We hear about Paige's team's first football outing (just a scrimmage, but still...) and hear her advice for freshmen trying to navigate both high school and being on a dance team. A recovering-from-a-cold Norm shares his music deep dive project and can't hold back about which recent pop era was quite meh. Oswego East D.T. is back with part 2 (of 3) of their interview: Friday night pregame meals, more benefits of the NDA route, who they''d work out with, and their biggest fears on the comp floor. And we break open the first of a couple Warren Dance Team interviews: are they a weights team or a cardio team?

Aug 25 2025: You've Been Promoted!

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 22:06:53 +0000

Who doesn't love a promotion? Coaches, let's say you're now the AD...or the principal. Does anything change with the dance program or the entire sport, if there are enough of you in top positions? And now for the promotion you DON'T want -- you've been moved up a division or a class! What's the first thing you would do? And pick just one: real wood floor or mirrors? Topping off this topic salad are interviews with Cary-Grove (part 2) and Oswego East (part 1). EXTRA CROUTONS.

Aug 14 2025: End Of Summer (Part 2)

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 01:31:46 +0000

We celebrate 808 day with a few sound examples and a deep dive into the famous drum machine and its beats.After sifting through all the relevant documents from our sports governing body here in Illinois, we discover some huge assumptions and misunderstandings about the traditional "dead week" in sports -- and whether it really applies to dance and pom teams. You'll hear from 33.3% of the newest team in 2A in Illinois dance, plus part 1 from a team whose JV was once coached by one of the school's administrators! There's some bass drops, there's tons of Norms-plaining, and a little goat yoga for your back-to-school episode!

Aug 4 2025 End Of Summer (Pt 1)

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Mon, 4 Aug 2025 19:26:20 +0000

We're back from our roadtrips! Paige comes back from summer camp with a recap of her team's experiences and what she learned as a coach, and Norm has one teeny tiny (but useful) link between his trip and dance team life. It's the end of summer for Illinois dance teams, but we've still got a couple team name updates to share. And who's the sui generis of Illinois dance, according to you? And we've got interviews with two programs whose coaches once danced on their teams: York (part 2) and Nazareth! And we pick our pie flavors for getting pied in the face.

July 15 2025: getting the most out of camp

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 19:22:47 +0000

We're all about the revisions and add-ons here at 8CA, so we're back with even more kids camp tips that coaches sent in. Well, maybe not outright tips, but definitely stuff you should be aware of to at least turn down the chaos on camp day. We shift to the OTHER camp and how to make the most of what is the centerpiece of the summer for many HS dance teams. You've got schedule challenges, 24/7 team bonding opportunities, and the fact that you're always in some kind of performance mode. Who's realllyyy ready for dorm lief with your new team? We wrap with an excellent convo with former Lake Forest and new OSU dancer Reese Harper, and then the ultra-nice captains from the York Dance Team!

July 8 2025: Running a kids camp

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Wed, 9 Jul 2025 03:01:38 +0000

Nothing says "heart of summer" like the array of topics that populate this loose-fitting and breezy Fourth of July episode! We've got hot dog toppings, the pain of spelling dance terms properly, why dance teams have more fun with skills games versus other sports, the huge benefit of a summer showcase, and all the short-term and long-term benefits of running a kids camp. Get ready for more sus-quality audio (we're STILL learning these new microphones, haha!) with Coach Maya Gold from Mundelein, University of Michigan dance team member Avery Rock, and the dancers from Plainfield Central!

July 1 2025: College Dance Team IRL

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Tue, 1 Jul 2025 19:13:35 +0000

It's that time of year -- here's hoping you've got AC in your practice space! As you sweat (or, um, I mean, PERSPIRE) through that "meh" halftime routine wondering what it would take to get the admins to upgrade the AC situation in that part of your building, we bring up the essential question: do you know someone who knows someone else who's famous? And we reveal which body part could be the secret sauce to those jumps and leaps, according to our college dance team expert. Maddy also shares inside info on tryouts versus recruitment, how to juggle being on a high-visibility team while being a student, and how they split their practices between game day and nationals preparation. Plus, MORE ridiculous ideas to spend your imaginary team budget on. And an interview with the dancers of the Mundelein Dance Team...in another hot gym!

June 19 2025: What if your dance team had an unlimited budget?

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 21:29:08 +0000

Fresh sounds for summer '25 with a new intro music bed and voiceover person! We recap some tasty audio nuggets from our Q & A session with college dance team national champ Maddy Vercelli -- what it was like being a top-tier dancer and then joining a team FULL of that, what it's like to have crowd support at football games, and which practices were the toughest throughout their season. And guess what percentage of dance is mental according to this dance superstar. Then we turn to this week's hypothetical sitch: what would your dance team buy first if it had unlimited funds? It's wide-open for crazy answers, but interestingly every reply we received on Insta shows just how savvy our dance teams are! ADs, you mighttttt wanna skip this episode....

May 31 2025: Making more space for less-trained teams in Illinois

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Sat, 31 May 2025 19:02:25 +0000

It's our 100th episode, and it's heavy like deep dish! How do we make more space on the Illinois dance team scene for those programs that have less formal training on their rosters? We run through some high-impact solutions: categories, more divisions or classes, and levels that are specifically meant for less-experienced teams. Full credit for these ideas goes out to our neighboring midwest dance associations and high school athletic leagues! Then, the big and bold 8CA stance of the spring so far: let's rename our sport (at least here in Illinois)! In segment 2, we've got Maddy Vercelli from the University of Minnesota Dance Team previewing our summer instructional events...and how a love of pom work makes for a better all-around dancer! Plus: what happens at clinics when you treat intermediate dancers as advanced, and new dancers as intermediate.

May 23 2025: Is there still a place for non-trained dancers?

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Sat, 24 May 2025 00:34:11 +0000

Y'all already know the answer to the old question, "Are dancers athletes?" Well, duh! But how about this one: can athletic kids be considered dancers? And who gets to be on a dance team? What kind of an athlete do you need to be to have a functional spot on a dance team? We run through 3 types of athletes who might try out for poms or dance, and then compare those roles in the past to how they are in today's dance team scene (in Illinois, at least). For sure--the path used to be a lot easier to be part of the sport. We look at the role of studio accessibility, the time scale of developing core skills, and the eliteness we've built up in the world of dance team. Cafeteria-trained dancers, we're sending ya high fives! And studio bunheads, we've always loved ya, too.

May 16 2025: Songs That Should Be Retired From Dance

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Sat, 17 May 2025 02:22:53 +0000

First up: we wonder what the limits are when it comes to eating while wearing team gear or even comp costumes. Hint: even an innocent salad can go terribly wrong. Then a smooth segue into that dance artifact we posted on Insta a few weeks ago: a mid-2000s critique CASSETTE TAPE! We weigh the benefits of audio commentary recorded during routines versus written feedback. And what songs should be retired from dance routines, at least here in Illinois? We're sorry... But some adjacent topics -- what sparks a song choice? Should you use a song that you've always loved? And what are the risks when you pick a song that's been prominently used in other routines?

May 8 2025: Dance Team Roster Draft Picks

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Fri, 9 May 2025 03:12:08 +0000

Is it tryouts or auditions? Speaking of names...what goes on a team warmup: last name, first, name, full name, or nickname? Then in honor of the recent NFL draft, we toss around this hypothetical: what if dance teams had positions? And which positions should a coach draft first? After exploring possible skill positions, we look at the *personality* positions on a team, and which ones might be higher draft priorities. And on that tryouts questionnaire, how should you answer the famous question, "Would you accept a position on JV if offered?" Bonus stories: Norm's and Paige's nicknames, and that one time Norm witnessed a pom team dancer perform part of their routine on a table at a family restaurant.

May 1 2025: Coaching honors part 2

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Fri, 2 May 2025 02:13:58 +0000

It's the 2nd batch of our 2025 dance team coaching honors...so yeah, here comes more gratuitous use of the air horn sound effect. And circling back to...November?...we finally finish up the last few letters of our dance team name alphabet!

Apr 17 2025: All-State Wrap Part 2

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 20:23:01 +0000

Zooming in on our 8CA Dancers and Coaches Of The year, we look at what made these outstanding dance people have such excellent seasons -- and what others saw in them! We're talking coachability, different leadership styles, focusing on the long-run and also the past legacy of your program, and carving out your place in the school community. Plus: 2 approaches to building that roster at spring tryouts and open gyms! Alert: look out for some quasi-excessive usage of the air horn sound effect. Just sayin'.

Apr 3 2025: All-State Wrap Up Part 1

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Thu, 3 Apr 2025 17:12:23 +0000

We go behind the scenes at the making of 8CA's 3rd Annual All-State Celebration, including the high-stakes rehearsal and the big All-State Dance Routine! And FINALLY as we slowly wind down Celebration Month, we throw some shoutouts on finishers 13th through 30th at Bloomington in 2A. Spice and seasoning on top of this dish: solos, quick changes, and hidden category talent on dance team rosters*** *** ***

Mar 11 2025: 13 through 30 at Bloomington Pt2

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 00:07:39 +0000

It's the first wave of spring breaks across Illinois! And with St Patty's Day around the corner, we give ourselves a PAT on the back for running Illinois' only statewide, cross-organization dance team honor list. And being 8CA's Celebration Month, we spotlight 6 teams that didn't quite make it to Bloomington, but they were close. And we look at what you do with that close-but-not-quite season ending: is it fuel? A badge of honor? Or something to move on from without thinking too much about it? And if you're a non-qualifier, would you rather be just a little behind the cutoff, or way off the pace? As usual we have the toe-dripping (as opposed to deep dive) variety of topics: typed versus audio critiques, team banquet locations, and what's the criteria for hanging up a postseason banner.

Mar 4 2025: 13 through 30 at Bloomington (Part 1)

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Wed, 5 Mar 2025 04:24:48 +0000

Ramping up all kinds of excitement for 8CA Celebration Month and our All-State Event -- and also taking a closer look at those 3A teams who wrapped up their seasons at the end of Day 1 at IHSA State...good season stories, a few surprises, and high fives on the growth. Plus find out about the March origins of celebrating dance teams in Illinois -- from both back-in-the-day and a more recent Minneapolis dance team roadtrip. AND -- somehow -- we're still not done with Illinois teams going to national comps!

Feb 22 2025: IDTA State recap

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Sat, 22 Feb 2025 22:26:14 +0000

Just a 16-hour day of state-level dance, that's all. Comp Weekend 13's recap includes Norm's all-day experience at IDTA State, including some eye-opening achievements by big-name programs and up-and-comers, too. We look at the crossover factor between both state comps, the role of middle school programs, and what it's like to get emotional during your final performance!

Feb 14 2025: IHSA Day 2 wrap-up and Comp Wknd 12

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 22:40:56 +0000

We go a bit deeper into the Day 2 teams from IHSA state, looking at the links between a team's Day 2 experience and their season-long experience --the arcs, high and lows, and good stories. Where does hip hop thrive in the IHSA ecosystem? And is there a pom-hip hop connection? Can a pure kick routine do well, or does it have to be a jazz hybrid? We've got wrap-ups from "Last Chance Weekend' in IDTA. And it's Comp Weekend 13: TWO nationals comps, and IDTA State! We dive into the crossovers between IHSA and IDTA state teams, and the gigantic differences between the two events.

Feb 7 2025: First Week After IHSA State

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Sat, 8 Feb 2025 03:14:25 +0000

First phase of the IHSA State '25 wrap! Coach Paige takes us behind the scenes of her team's wild run to Day 2 of IHSA State. The experience, the reaction of being Top 12 on Day 1, finding out their 4th place position, and the point when they reached Cinderella status -- all covered, first-hand. And diid her team just write a new textbook on how to have a "good" season and transform it into a magical rise and finish. Factored in: the classic debate of cleaning vs. changing a routine -- one way definitely worked for her team. And IHSA State sparked a little preview of some future episode topics: a key difference between the season arcs of big 3A teams vs 1A and 2A teams, and...why does sports media cover cheer more than dance?

Jan 30 2025: IHSA State Week

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 03:37:09 +0000

Software update on the podcast mixer means...cheesy sound effects! Our Coach Paige and her dancers are now sectional champs, and she shares insider thoughts on how the day felt different and if the team's performance felt different from expectations. We run though a few highlights from each sectional, including some great seasons for non-qualifiers. State Week: there are send-offs, bus decor, hotel capers, and fan tips for the arena. And lastly, confirmation that Illinois' sectional and state systems bring out the best and worst in people. Bonus: the halftime team that did sidelines this past week for...swim team!

Jan 24 2025: Sectionals Week

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Sat, 25 Jan 2025 02:07:29 +0000

Paige is back, and we compare our recent travels! We assess Norm's condition after 7 straight days of dance comps, and we throw some additional conference comp wrap-ups. Confirmed: Norm knows what to do with a place in a coach's room full of food. Paige shares insights on her team's conference comp experience, and Norm gives a shout out to fans who go the extra mile with creative signage. More Comp Weekend 9 rundowns, a couple history nuggets, and what we all learned from al the comps of the past couple weeks. We celebrate college nationals and everyone's fave IL native on that Minnesota Dance Team! Norm reveals his outlook for each sectional field, and then...unpopular opinion alert: why names are so important when branding a season-ending competition.

January 17 2025: After Comp Weekend 8

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Sat, 18 Jan 2025 06:19:54 +0000

With Paige out of town, it's a one-dance-nerd show this week. Have no fear, because Norm's got the lowdown on what he saw on both days of Comp Weekend 8 in the '24-'25 season in Illinois! Could there be a new frontrunner in 1A? Which 2A team is coming on strong? And what low-key 3A powerhouse is asserting itself as we run through conference comps? And it's what we're calling Conference Week-ish, so Norm's got the scoop on 3 (well, 4 after recording this episode) conference comp nights in a row...plus the champs from other conference contests. Controversial statement alert: are these conference performances the best runs of the season? As you can guess...Norm's saying no...but it depends on which kinds of teams we're considering. Did the carpenter jeans work out? And who is 8CA...and pretty much the whole state...rooting for at college nationals this weekend? Sheesh...all that for a solo host episode?

Jan 10 2025: After Comp Weekend 7

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Sat, 11 Jan 2025 03:00:04 +0000

2nd year in a row for the big 8CA Edwardsville roadtrip! No flat tire THIS year, but definitely some amazing Southern Illinois dance teams including a few newcomers / revivals. We touch on the big diffs between pom and open pom. And based on what I heard in the bleachers and on the floor: are your alternates ready to jump in? We talk late-season choreo changes, gym floor access, one team that's definitely for real, and the 2 best 2A battles all winter long. With a bazillion conference competitions around the corner: what makes them unique in terms of lineups and judging? Debunked vs confirmed: the myth that if you don't have a certain skill by fall, you can't develop it in time to make a points difference during comp season.

Dec 30 2024: Winter Break + After Comp Weekend 6

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 23:00:24 +0000

It's an XL-sized episode for winter break (and because of a tech hiccup -- you'll find out about halfway through). We run through the Stagg and Glenbard South comps of Weekend 6 -- where 2A frontrunners clashed again, major programs made debuts, and lots of teams who normally don't get the spotlight took center stage! Find out which coach was in (happy) tears, which JV team especially impressed us, which team started mild and is now hot, and which teams we'd love to see more of. More topics: what you hope the crowd does / doesn't do when the music cuts out; language in routine and non-routine songs; does the host school score better than usual? Plus: the 8CA 2024 recap, and our potentially confusing list of "T" dance teams. Happy New Year!!!

Dec 20 2024: After Comp Weekend 5

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Sat, 21 Dec 2024 03:03:10 +0000

Heavy on the meaty topics...to balance out your winter break chill vibes! What to do when the work you put in at practice does, or doesn't, show up on the comp floor and in the scoresheet. And where do those choreo changes come from -- "a ha" moments in practice, a 3AM epiphany, or while sitting down to actively plan the changes? We take a peek at scoring variability for teams that dance on back-to-back days. And at about the halfway mark of the season, do teams have enough puzzle pieces to start forming a picture of how January might turn out? We weigh whether it's better to have a hot start and risk cooling off or plateau-ing early, or starting okay-ish and growing each week with better scores. Plus: the two ways to have a marley competition, along with Norm's "unpopular marley opinion" alert.

Dec 13 2024: After Comp Weekend 4

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Sat, 14 Dec 2024 02:53:19 +0000

We made it through the busiest competition weekend in the Illinois winter season! Norm recaps the experiences at Lake Zurich and Oswego on Saturday, followed by Naperville North and Crystal Lake Central on Sunday. Paige shares her team's mental approach to scores and placements, and whether changes in the routine are triggered from external versus internal feedback. We toss around what the idea comp gym is like, week-to-week variability, a few corrections to our "team designations" list, and whether '90s-style denim is a go or no-go.

Dec 6 2024: After Comp Weeknd 3; Team Names St - Sy

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Fri, 6 Dec 2024 21:08:37 +0000

Hard to not mention Taylor Swift in an episode summary these days, but there ya go. Quick recap of the lone invitational for Comp Weekend 3 in Illinois dance, including the expected, the unexpected, and a bounce-back for some of the top-placing routines. We wrap up the "S" dance teams and throw some interesting tidbits at you for some very big name programs who've been around a minute. We get an update on team practices as dancers and coaches get ready for the busy stretch of December competitions--fixes, adds, and ramping up the performance qualities. Plus a quick "IDTA 101" for non-IDTA dancers and fans who mainly live in the IHSA ecosystem!

Nov 29 2024: After Comp Weekend 2; Team Names R-So

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Sat, 30 Nov 2024 00:46:24 +0000

Can't get around it--the week of Thanksgiving has an undeniable food motif. Quick nods to the all-important topics of side items and pie choices and the merch available at dance comps, we run down Competition Weekend 2 at Deerfield and Mundelein. The pros and cons of splitting the day between classes with separate awards ceremonies, 2A as the heart of Illinois Dance, and the upside to awarding trophies by team instead of routine (and the way obvious solution that makes the problem moot). We note the breakout performances that are setting up good seasons for a lot of up-and-coming teams, and wrap with dance team names in the R to So range! No room for dessert this time.

Nov 22 2024: After Comp Wknd 1, Team Names O-Q

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 22:40:09 +0000

We've eased through Comp Weekend 1 for the 2024-25 season, and Coach Paige walks you through every step of a typical comp day for coaches and teams. Unveiled: The Ready Line, which is 8CA's new blog on our website! We peak at the fan experience at both the Andrew and Wheaton North comps before highlighting a few of the fun dance team names in the O-through-Q range!

Nov 14 2024: Team Names M-N, Marion, Highland, Villa Grove, Washington

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 22:57:19 +0000

After getting some miniature golf-bragging out of the way, Paige and Norm uncover how she gets her newbies ready for their first competition--the mental side, the whole-comp-day experience, and what the team's goals are for Comp Weekend 1 in Illinois. Then it's onto the Ms and Ns in dance team names with a few fun surprises and nuggets! Norm shares his convos with members from 4 prominent non-Chicago-area dance programs from the IDTA even at the end of October: Marion, Highland, Villa Grove, and Washington! Finally, a brief unveiling of the 8CA Winter Points System.

Nov 6 2025: Team Names I - L, IC Catholic, Murphysboro, Herrin

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Thu, 7 Nov 2024 02:55:13 +0000

Roadtrips! Costumes! Paige saw T Swift, Norm saw...um...a cliff on the Mississippi River. And IDTA's Start The Beat kicked off the comp season (unofficially). First up, we continue through our Illinois dance team names (teams from I through L) with a lot of twisty, turny trivia. Paige points out what's different about her team now versus when fall started, and what specifically they've upgraded over the past 10 weeks. We'll rewind a few Friday nights to senior night with the IC Catholic Dance Team. Then you'll hear our rare 8CA interviews with teams from the southern half of our amazing dance state of ILL: Murphysoboro's soloist, Reagan, and the seniors and coach from a rebranded Herrin Dance Team!

Oct 23 2024: Team names E - H

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 16:52:20 +0000

After a little food-triggering conversation, Norm and Paige continue through a few of the more interesting dance team names (and school mascots, too) across Illinois -- this time zeroing in on that fun E through H zone! We've got Flaming Hearts, Cogs, and Fighting Owls. And then there's the flag team name with what sounds like a poms name, and then the persistence of the ancient "pom poNs" term. Along the way we take some sideways steps--communities where you'd think there'd be a competitive dance team but there isn't; combined cheer and dance programs; multi-school co-op athletics, and Norm's quest to get his alma mater to revert back to their old poms team name. And find out which two schools' basketball programs battle each winter for The Snack Bowl! 30 minutes of solid diversion as we cruise towards tryouts and comp season!

Oct 11 2024: Team Names A - D

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Sat, 12 Oct 2024 02:00:43 +0000

Crossing over that halfway point in Illinois' fall poms season! We've got a chat with the Falconettes of Wheaton North, a team that features a lone senior, a couple juniors, and tons of underclassmen dancers! Plus we roll out our first themed topic of the fall: dance (or pom!) team names! Up first are a few of the more interesting team names from A through D.

Oct 3 2024: Football Weekend 5

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Fri, 4 Oct 2024 01:35:37 +0000

Some saw rain, some danced under a beautiful canopy of clouds at sunset, and some were roughed up by intense northeast winds for Football Weekend 5 in Illinois Halftime Dance Season. Norm recaps his Friday night with the Lincoln-Way East Poms and chats with some fun characters on the team--challenged by a microphone that got its butt kicked by the wind. You'll hear the East dancers talk about their roles on the team and what it's like to dance in front of a crowd that's obsessed with its state-level football program. Coach Paige compares her rookie comp season (last winter) with her rookie fall season (now).

Sep 28 2024

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Sat, 28 Sep 2024 06:11:07 +0000

We're Paige-less this week, but Norm holds down the 8CA fort with a recap of the Willowbrook Dance Team's homecoming game on Friday #4 of Illinois halftime dance team action! Fireworks, snazzy uniforms, a stellar halftime performance--all key ingredients of a fun evening hanging out with this sneaky-good, long-standing dance program. Bonus: a quick look at the eras of Illinois dance (triggered by mentioning that the coaches are alums from one of Illinois dance's best eras). Also, we throw on some new intro / outro music as we hit the halfway point in fall halftime season.

Sep 19 2024: Football Weekend 3

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 22:47:21 +0000

Sneaking up on the halfway point of the fall season for Illinois halftime poms teams! Norm recaps his hang with the Naperville Central Dance Team, including a couple flashbacks to their eye-opening sectional win. Of course, Norm's got quick rewinds to a rainy night with this very team 7 years ago, and also working on music with their crosstown rival...23 seasons ago! Paige has the lowdown on her team's homecoming prep, and we team up on comments on dads who can dance. Check out Naperville Central's thoughts on their fave dance style (kinda surprising!), what it's like to dance I the fall in front of another big 3A team, and whether or not they've still got underdog status. We'll toss in some extra thoughts on the first 8CA Top 25 of this fall season, a tip on a fave corn maze in the Chicago area, and props to a state that's got dance team comps going on right now!

Sep 11 2024: Football Weekend 2

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 01:45:48 +0000

Recaps of Norm's Friday night at the Conant game (well, the first quarter-ish) and Paige's team's first home game. In true 8CA fashion, we sprout topics in-the-moment for LATER use in FUTURE episodes...like all the varieties of dance team names, what's the threshold for too much rain before calling off a halftime performance...and...a casual and seriously incomplete intro of the 8CA winter points system! We've got the short-and-sweet convo with two groups from the Conant Charrelles, a browse-out-loud review of the best of recent dance team Insta posts, and a brief "What's up?" to the legend of the 909 beat.

Aug 30 2024: Football Weekend 1

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Sat, 31 Aug 2024 00:27:39 +0000

Bringing the heat (or just living in it)! We reveal a few schools where Norm snuck in Daisy, the 8CA staffer-dog, for music meetings back in the day. We also brainstorm some ideas for what moves would lead to automatic wins in dance, inspired by the automatic win rules of judo! We've got essential football game night tips for new dance team members, especially you freshmen! The long-awaited Hersey interview gets its much-deserved airtime, finally! And during the cool-down section, we've got some fresh ideas for recognizing fall halftime teams.

Aug 26 2024: Summer Wrap

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 01:32:58 +0000

Summer vacay's fading out but first we recap and celebrate all of our fun 8CA events from summer '24! Tossed in like salad toppings: what Olympic sports dance teams might be good at, the official rules of judo, and what happens when you practice something all day, every day? And a long-awaited interview with the Railettes of Lincoln Community H.S!

June 16 2024: Behind the Scenes of the Minnesota Jazz Routine

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Sun, 16 Jun 2024 21:08:57 +0000

This episode's the icy drink for your steamy mid-June dance life! We're back with Maddy for a look behind the scenes of their sensational jazz routine that captivated everyone over the winter. Plus we'll connect some of those concepts to what she's seen in routines and dancers at the high school versus the college level. I'll toss 3 hypothetical teams in her direction for her take on how she'd approach a consult and training session--all levels welcome when it comes to her excellent insights and expertise! And tacked-on at the end: we're hitting the road for a technique sesh, and we're bringing a national champ...

June 5, 2024: Introducing Paige Hollendonner

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Wed, 5 Jun 2024 22:09:24 +0000

We got the star power in full effect this summer here at the 'cast--this time it's Coach Paige Hollendonner of the Benet Dance Team! After a swift recap of our time on the floor hosting the All-State Celebration a few weeks ago, we dive into Paige's first year as an assistant varsity coach at a competitive program. Then Norm breaks out the needle and thread to weave together her eras of dancing at Hinsdale South, being an 8CA staffer, a college hip hop dancer, and eventually a coach. Plus--we couldn't NOT do this, right?--we chat about being Miss Darien and competing for Miss Illinois!

May 29 2024: Introducing Maddy Vercelli

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Wed, 29 May 2024 20:23:03 +0000

We're back and in full-out summer mode! Time to introduce (one of our two) national championship dancer Maddy Vercelli of the famed Minnesota Dance Team and alum of the Joliet Catholic Dance Team! In this all-about-Maddy episode we talk about the biggest challenges of transitioning from a top tier h.s. team to a championship-level college team -- electrifying the arena at IHSA state -- the 3-season rhythm of a college dance team schedule -- the spotlight of Big 10 sports -- the college nationals experience -- and thoughts on her dance styles through the years. I mean, hey, we covered all we could in 20 minutes, so stick around throughout the summer for more Maddy insights and stories! She wraps up with a fundamental but super valuable tip to help dancers kick off their summer.

March 20 2024: Are We In The "Hair Metal" Era Of Dance?

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 04:28:31 +0000

Oh, the tricks, the flash, the flexing...you can't NOT see acro, dazzling floor work, aerials, leg hold turns in so many dance team routines these days. Back in the '80s ("the decade of excess"), rock music was dominated by one sub-genre to rule above all others in the rock sphere: hair metal (or glam metal, pop metal). Flashy visuals, big hair, screeching vocals, and super technical and excessively flashy guitar solos--a super fun aesthetic, but definitely way cheesy. So with all the tricks ruling the dance world, are we in the "hair metal" era of dance? Is there still a place for the artistic, expressive side of dance alongside all the tricks?

Feb 29 2024: City comp, rules, rank scores

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Fri, 1 Mar 2024 01:48:17 +0000

The fresh air of the dance season came right at the end: the City Championships for the Chicago Public League dance teams! An amazing mix of dance styles, high-profile teams, novice teams, and an awesomely cool experience watching teams that deserve a much brighter spotlight in Illinois dance. Then--the controversy. After a quick review of what went down, we look at how the rule in question was applied and whether or not it led to a just and fair situation. Then we look at the nature of any rule or policy in high school sports--and is the limit on the number of competitions even a useful one? A quick peak at the background of the rule, and we discover that some other changes would be much more meaningful and just. To cap things off we explore the "rank score" system used in that other amazing dance team state before ending with a serious case of swerving into fashion police mode.

Feb 16 2024: IDTA state recap, banquets, open gyms

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Sat, 17 Feb 2024 04:01:41 +0000

Recapping an entire day of amazing dances at IDTA state and how Norm managed to cover 12+ hours of routines and another hour of awards! And who gets to arrange for the police escort back into your hometown if you win a state championship? We throw a special spotlight on teams from northern Illinois who perform at a high level in IDTA, along with teams from around the state who not only rocked it in Springfield but did it in Bloomington also for IHSA's state event. Toss in a couple questions about running the end-of-year banquet and a deeper look into how to make the most of open gyms, and you've got a stuffed Amazon delivery box of dance wisdom waiting on your porch! Coach Alli also reveals the TWO things that dancers (especially non-studio ones) need to be doing between now and open gyms / tryouts. Plus: a special announcement just for our podcast listeners--first dibs, y'all!

Feb 8 2024: Nationals, Last Chance Weekend, 1A top 3

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Fri, 9 Feb 2024 01:26:31 +0000

We dive into the drama of "last chance weekend" among IDTA dance teams, and the reality of finally qualifying versus a season coming to an end. After sending a few high fives to our Illinois nationals teams, we look at the top 3 1A finishers from IHSA state weekend and go in-depth looking at what it's like to evolve a dance team program from one style to another. Norm takes us on a scenic tour of Jacksonville's journey and how it's a possible roadmap for any program looking to morph into a championship contender over time. Hear what it's REALLY like to compete a kick routine from a state champion's point of view! Plus a quick nod to the different ways teams celebrate their seniors at their last home basketball game. All this as we head toward IDTA's state competition this weekend, and another nationals weekend for some of our Illinois dance teams!

Feb 2 2024: IHSA State Vibes and Feels

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Sat, 3 Feb 2024 02:32:52 +0000

Putting the stats aside for the week, we run through our state weekend experiences: what we saw, felt, heard, and...what fried food we smelled! Two perspectives: one from Norm as a on-floor media member, and one from Coach Alli in her very last dance team coaching appearance in Illinois. Also a quick look at the top 3 in 2A and 3A (we're doing 1A, z-scores, stats, and Day 1 teams next episode). Plus a discussion on a couple hot topics from sectionals weekend--the qualifying / knock-out system, expanding the field, Norm's ideas on wild card qualifiers, and Norm's idea of a Penalty Bulletin! Also, a baby announcement!

Jan 25 2024: IHSA State Weekend

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 01:55:03 +0000

Comp Weekend 10 also happens to be IHSA State, Days 1 and 2! We've got your annual mini tips for fans, dancers, and coaches, along with some ideas about the coaching mindset and logistics know-how needed to have a successful weekend at state. And dancers: we identify the one thing (well, one out of many) that you'll need to manage the most throughout the weekend! We also shout out some great sectionals performances, both for teams that got into the state field and those staying home. Audio bonus: a quick chat with the guys from Double B Entertainment, the djs and announcers who handle a big chunk of the Chicagoland dance competitions! Bonus: 3 things about Bloomington-Normal that Norm somehow thought were worth mentioning on a dance team podcast. Bonus #2: four colorful descriptors for things you shouldn't be doing at the hotel.

Jan 19 2024: Sectionals

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 05:57:43 +0000

After taking a sec to celebrate a varsity and JV conference championship for Coach Heckman's teams, we catch up on the 8CA goings-on since comp weekend 7 at the end of winter break. Norm describes the thrill of finally seeing southern Illinois teams in person at one of that region's big competitions. And a bonus story about our flat tire adventure in the Freddy's parking lot! Then came the Lakes/Antioch comp the next day with its supreme visual vibe and total dance club atmosphere (check out Instagram for some fun vids!). Norm indulges in a little finger-pointing related to how he got sick, leading to at-home coverage for conference comp week and Comp Weekend 8. Now the meat of the sandwich: Coach's insights and tips (both as an experienced dancer, coach, and now a sectional host) on what to expect at sectionals in terms of the flow, timing, and vibe! You'll hear an interview with the Antioch captains, followed by Norm's annual advice about sectionals!

Jan 5 2024: Shifting into conference mode

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Sat, 6 Jan 2024 02:29:33 +0000

Straight outta break and into Comp Weekend 7 across Illinois! Norm and Coach Alli chat about how practices change (and don't change) now that conference comps and sectionals are just around the corner. What's the experience like at a weeknight conference comp? Why do alums in attendance have that morning glow at 5:30pm? And what's changed and NOT changed in dance over the years when looking at all the 8CA flashback videos we've put up during winter break? Plus a cool little thing to peek at if you're a fan of kick.

Dec 22 2023: Comp Weekend 6

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Sat, 23 Dec 2023 04:44:42 +0000

Last dance comp weekend for Illinois dance teams had an XL schedule on both days! Coach Alli multitasks with expert commentary on a couple standout 2A routines all while driving to practice. We go over the different ways dancers might be cheating their turns and how to fix that. Plus some bonus audio with Norm's hot takes and in-the-moment reactions while at the Stagg and Metea Valley comps. Sprinkled throughout like chocolate chips: the IDTA comp experience (categories, doing your dance for both rubrics, and the judges' roles during awards), another embarrassing 8CA story from back in the day, getting called out by first and last name, and the comp we forgot to put on the schedule. Plus a short lunchtime chat with one of the Metea Valley coaches right after she saw her team set fire to their home court!

Dec 14 2023: Comp Weekend 5

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Fri, 15 Dec 2023 02:24:55 +0000

1A elites and rookies came together for a major showdown at Morris, the ups and downs of 3A scoring, and the major spectacle of a full field of teams at Stevenson! Plus the usual details involving eats, laughs, and standout routines -- including the resurgence of one of 3A's historically active programs. We recklessly veer into Norm's radio career trivia and family cookie exchanges--and somehow relate it all back to dance teams! Coach H has 2 reviews of notable dances from the weekend, thoughts on whether practices should feel different for teams who won't be competing for a few weeks, and she dishes on what mid-level teams might want to focus on from here on out. We've also got a conversation with a captain from Mahomet-Seymour! If this episode were a holiday cookie...the calorie count would be through the roof.

Dec 7 2023: Comp Weekend 4

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Fri, 8 Dec 2023 03:10:40 +0000

Wow, we did that? Yes! Illinois dance teams got through the first mega-busy comp weekend of the winter...and 8CA got through its initial run-through of a video production of a full competition! Airdate: later...possibly much later. Norm and Coach H review our experiences, how to maintain spacing after a full-team skill, things to remember when you're in a tight form vs an open formation, pros and cons of 2 comps on consecutive days, and...what if IHSA dance had 4 classes?

Nov 30 2023: Comp Weekend 3

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Fri, 1 Dec 2023 01:24:36 +0000

8CA's micro Ohio State Dance Team moment...I know, I'm flexin'. Thoughts on Comp Weekend 3's only event along with a deep dive into a couple standout routines. A shoutout to alternates and their essential roles. Tips on selling the performance--maximizing all the stuff that happens in between the big skills elements. A couple interesting emerging trends so far this season, thoughts on the walk-on, and the reasoning behind 8CA's new After Hours content!

Nov 24 2023: Comp Weekend 2

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 19:38:28 +0000

In the bleachers on Saturday, floor-level on Sunday! Should coaches ever watch from the side? When preps and landings look like they're part of the choreo. Overall tips on leaps and jumps, the illusion of hang time, and arms up vs down. Should dancers approach their choreo differently when the floor is super close to the audience? And we couldn't resist this for the holiday weekend: what we're thankful for!

Nov 15 2023: Living The Mission Statement

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 03:45:15 +0000

We go over those first-comp feelings and all the fun sights and sounds that had nothing to do with the actual dances this weekend! Also: developing turning strength once the season has started, comparing the weekday practice experiences versus the shock of comp day, and one way to run that first meeting or practice after a competition. Most importantly: the 8CA response those who stand against positivity in this sport.

Nov 10 2023: Tips for new fans and new dancers

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 16:32:26 +0000

Comp Week #1, and we're cramming in info like a baker fills a donut. We unveil our "numbered comp weekends" system, peek at this weekend's 2 competitions, explore the mysteries of Routine 1 vs Routine 2, unload a wealth of tips for rookie coaches, dancers, and fans about the competition day experience. Plus: yet another reason to always point your feet!

Nov 2 2023: Comp Szn Kickoff Part 2

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Fri, 3 Nov 2023 02:26:58 +0000

Coach Alli and Norm look into the advantages and disadvantages of debuting your comp routine super early in the season. And while a lot of early-season "rust" is totally ok (and no one is expecting "clean and sharp"), we point out the elements of a routine that SHOULD come across clearly even in that first performance. Plus, those things about a routine that you can't help but notice, even if you didn't mean to...

Oct 27 2023: Comp Szn Kickoff Part 1

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 22:38:04 +0000

Grab that gear shifter and rev your dance team engines as we transition out of halftime season and into comp season! Coach Alli reveals what newer dancers should expect now that winter season is here, how newer coaches might want to keep things steady and familiar, and we toss in a few teasers for the upcoming season. We're back! Or if you're from the Chicago area, we're "baaaaack."

Aug 23 2023: Batavia

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 01:30:43 +0000

On the last day of their summer, the 8CA microphones found the Batavia Dance Team hard at work ironing out every dance aspect of their gametime performances. We set up in a corner of their sweet dance room to talk about prepping routines for the games of one of Chicagoland's most prominent football programs, timing and precision, covering a wide array of dance styles, and...their preferred amounts of butter on their corn!

Aug 15 2023: Sandburg

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 01:20:55 +0000

Recorded on a hot day--so you'll get some hot day vibes with the Sandburg Eaglettes! We discuss getting to know your team, the different mindsets of studio dance versus school team dance, the DTU Nationals experience, "switching" skills, and...what's in that box that Coach just received? Yes--we're opening it DURING THE INTERVIEW!

Aug 12 2023: Argo Part 2

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Sat, 12 Aug 2023 19:08:55 +0000

Resisting the urge to use nautical analogies or to do the episode in an old-timey sailor voice, here's the 2nd part of our Argo chat! We toss around the topics of what it's like to dance in a program that's so prominent in the school community, and whether showmanship is something that's learnable!

Aug 8 2023: Argo Part 1

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Tue, 8 Aug 2023 23:00:33 +0000

The Argo Sailorettes fly the flag of traditional pom work in Illinois dance, and they do it with style! Norm from 8CA got to hang with the senior Sailorettes after a late summer practice, talkin' pom tech, old-school pom sizing, team bonding, and proving that a side of pasta salad really does go with a main dish of hot pasta! But first--an extended deep dive into the 808 drum machine as we celebrate 808 day!

Aug 5 2023: Dundee-Crown

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Sun, 6 Aug 2023 00:56:54 +0000

Back just in time for the end of summer and a legit IL heatwave! Our first sit-down of the summer is with the senior dancers of Dundee-Crown, who have spent the summer adding skills and building their bonds.

Feb 3 2023: IHSA State Top 3 and commentator Cyndi Kraemer

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Sat, 4 Feb 2023 04:40:38 +0000

Quick shoutouts to the top 3 teams in each division at IHSA State! IDTA Vice President Cyndi Kraemer talks about how fun it was to do the livestream announcing for IHSA State, including which routines and songs still stick out in her mind a week later! We talk about the variety of genres on the state floor, what it's like to announce iHSA while incorporating some IDTA terms, the significance of Jacksonville winning 1A, and the behind-the-scenes workload of running a big comp weekend and setting the IDTA state finals lineup right away.

Jan 24 2023: Sectional Shoutouts and State Week Tips

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 03:01:58 +0000

Teaming up with former 3A and 1A coach Lauren Seren for a look at the best stories from sectional weekend! Plus her tips on everything about state week and the 2-day state experience--practices, the arena temperature, what NOT to look at when you step onto the marley, fan tips...and Norm's valuable wisdom on hotel waffles.

Jan 20 2023: Downers Grove North and Jones College Prep

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Fri, 20 Jan 2023 23:30:25 +0000

A day before IHSA dance sectionals in Illinois and I'm running through the weekend schedule besides those pesky sectionals! We've got interviews with a dancer and, later, the coach from the Downers Grove Dance Team (The Athenas) plus some dancers from the team at Jones College Prep!

Jan 19 2023: Kenwood and Grant

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Fri, 20 Jan 2023 05:01:30 +0000

We ID the 4 main possible situations that dance teams could be in as they hit the floor on Sectional Saturday in Illinois, and Coach Seren offers up tips on the right mindset for each of these scenarios! Plus she's got insight on one dance team situation that's even more stressful than high school dance sectionals! The Kenwood Academy Poms bring their big personalities and positive energy to the show, while the Grant team leaders reveal the backstory on the different direction they went in for this season and other fun (and kinda goofy) details about their team dynamics! Plus Coach Lauren has one last nugget of advice for EVERYONE involved in Sectional Saturday!

Jan 18 2023: Grayslake Central and Libertyville

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 04:44:47 +0000

It's the busiest stretch of the competitive dance season in Illinois, so it definitely takes a couple minutes for Norm and Alli to run down everything that went down over the past weekend at competitions! We link back to last week's topic about scoring variability being more pronounced during conference competitions and how teams take that data and feed it into their plans and strategies. You'll hear from Grayslake Central and Libertyville--straight from room 2030 during lunch at the Grayslake Central comp! Hear Coach Alli's ideas on balancing intensity and looseness during the stress of sectionals week. Also, bonus: a super quick rant about a big no-no for fans at comps!

Jan 13 2023: Lockport and Buffalo Grove

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Sat, 14 Jan 2023 03:58:14 +0000

Alongside Coach Alli Heckman of the Jacobs Dance Team, we run through some conference championship results, talk about injuries during performances, and take a 2nd look at the benefits and possible downsides to doing back-to-back competitions within the same weekend. Interview-wise, we've got Lockport and Buffalo Grove!

Jan 11 2023: Antioch and once again Reavis

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 06:30:10 +0000

College coach and dance official Lauren Seren joins the show en route to a competition! We talk about the D-117 (Lakes + Antioch) competition and its mirroring of the IHSA State competition experience. We've got the conversation with the Antioch captains, discuss the quest for getting more gym time at a crucial point of the season, hear from the sophomores of the Reavis Dance Team, and toss around the advantages and disadvantages of competing twice in one weekend!

Jan 10 2023: Morris and Even More Audio From Reavis

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 02:15:19 +0000

Along with Coach Eva Newland (Normal Community HS) we take a look at the IDTA comp day experience, including an early start, long bus ride, and running the dance twice (first for the IDTA category, and a second time for the IHSA rubric). She shares her ideas on keeping her team loose yet focused when there are hours between each performance! Hear what reigning 1A champs Morris had to say after their performance at the Antioch-Lakes comp, and yes...even more audio from another group of Reavis dancers!

Jan 9 2023: IHSA admin Tracie Henry and more Reavis seniors

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 02:37:12 +0000

Alongside Coach Alli Heckman we run through the best parts of the past dance weekend including some notable achievements by teams at Huntley! We've got a very special chat with IHSA Competitive Dance Administrator Tracie Henry! And yes, MORE seniors from Reavis and their thoughts on the work it takes to go up against teams with a more technical background. Plus Coach Alli's thoughts on the unique aspects of a conference competition and whether it's better to see familiar judges or new ones that night!

Jan 6 2023: Crystal Lake Central and Reavis Part 1

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Sat, 7 Jan 2023 03:16:59 +0000

With Coach Lauren Seren of the Loyola University Chicago DT: we break down what to do if both of your routines are scoring similarly so close to conference and sectionals. And is this necessarily the time of the season to be ruthless or keep it bright and chill? We've also got interviews with the captains from Crystal Lake Central, and the captains from Reavis! Bonus: a quick look at the January tempo of a college dance team.

Jan 3 2023: Downers Grove South

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Tue, 3 Jan 2023 22:59:52 +0000

It's winter break and the craziest part of the dance team schedule is just around the corner. Downers Grove South's coaches and dancers reveal at what point they knew this year's team was different, what it takes to execute their top-tier choreography, the value of sticking to your own team's identity, and the best places to consume calories in downtown Downers Grove!

Dec 30 2022: Dance Team Synchronization

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Sat, 31 Dec 2022 06:59:58 +0000

Joining forces with co-host Coach Lauren Seren (Loyola University Dance Team), we look into the IHSA dance rubric and its "synchronization" section! Plus: how to keep dance teams engaged during winter break practices, plus our "dance year" highlights and lowlights for 2022!

Dec 23 2022: What It's Like Being A First-Year Coach

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Sat, 24 Dec 2022 01:27:00 +0000

Coach Eva Newland joins the show to share her experiences so far as a rookie head coach!

Dec 20 2022: Stagg Comp and Hinsdale South

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 03:14:34 +0000

We recap the big weekend comp at Stagg High School, shout it out to the other 2 competitions from the weekend, toss in a few thoughts about the impact of Twitch and So You Think You Can Dance, take a deeper look at Whitney Young's 2nd routine, hear from one of the Hinsdale South dancers right after her team won in 2A a couple weekends ago, and put up a major high five to one of our original 8CA staffers on officially becoming a doctor! And that's a run-on sentence! Happy holidays!!

Dec 16 2022: Waubonsie Valley

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Sat, 17 Dec 2022 01:18:03 +0000

After a couple extra shoutouts from last weekend's action, we run through our video consultation process! We hear from the dancers of the Waubonsie Valley Dance Team, and then take another deep dive into the IHSA dance rubric...this time, it's musicality! Extra: hear the awe in our voices as we look at the teams scheduled to compete at Stagg!

Dec 14 2022: Glenbard South

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Thu, 15 Dec 2022 04:49:12 +0000

Coach Alli and I recap our competition weekends and offer up our thoughts on two routines (Libertyville and Streator). Toss in a fun chat with Glenbard South, a couple shoutouts to teams who had great weekends, and a behind-the-scenes interview with the pre-awards DJ...along with some random reminiscing...and you've got our 2nd hefty podcast episode this week!

Dec 12 2022: Bradley-Bourbonnais, Evergreen Park, Rich Township, Oak Forest

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 04:21:00 +0000

So many great interviews with teams last weekend that we're still catching up! Here's an XL-sized audio dump of conversations from the Evergreen Park competition on December 4. What comes up again and again among these teams? Heart, stamina, mental toughness and focus, and the bond of a team.

Comp Season Weekend 4: Hillcrest, Homewood-Flossmoor, Rubric Deep Dive: Staging and Spacing

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Sat, 10 Dec 2022 05:13:45 +0000

Time for another dive into the IHSA dance rubric with college coach and high school dance official Lauren Seren! This time around it's all about staging and spacing--15 points up for grabs, hopefully with a little help from this conversation! We also hear from 1A Hillcrest and 3A Homewood-Flossmoor from the competition floor last weekend.

Comp Season Weekend 4: Bolingbrook and Burlington Central

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Fri, 9 Dec 2022 03:35:50 +0000

Norm and Coach Alli recap the busy weekend of dance competitions including a couple in-depth looks at dances by Plainfield North and Washington! We also hear from a couple Burlington Central dancers in the bleachers at Minooka and a conversation with the captains from Bolingbrook right after their 1st and 2nd place finishes at Evergreen Park!

Comp Season Weekend 2 and 3: Plainfield East

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 06:14:38 +0000

One more sit-down sesh from Mundelein: the Plainfield East Dance Team! Co-host Alli Heckman (head coach, Jacobs DT) walks us through how to handle various music mishaps on the competition floor; helpful pom toss tips; slightly but not overly helpful classic fouettés tips; a rewatch of a dance from this past weekend's Oak Forest competition that 2A should keep an eye on.

Comp Season Weekend 2: Thornton and Mundelein

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Sun, 27 Nov 2022 03:52:09 +0000

Two more teams dropped by to talk dance team stuff at the Mundelein comp! First up are the charming and exuberant dancers from Thornton Township...followed by the captains from host school Mundelein, just after they picked up top-tier trophies at awards!

Comp Season Weekend 2: St Ignatius

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Sat, 26 Nov 2022 03:22:45 +0000

We meet up with the coach from the St Ignatius Dance Team in the interview room of the Mundelein competition (11/13/22). Then 8CA technique instructor, dance official, choreographer, and college coach Lauren Seren takes us on a quick tour of the IHSA dance team rubric before diving deep into the Difficulty section!

Comp Season Weekend 2: DeKalb

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Thu, 24 Nov 2022 03:10:32 +0000

We chat with the DeKalb Dance Team during the lunch break at the Mundelein competition! In segment 2, Coach Alli Heckman from Jacobs walks us through the 90 minutes leading up to a comp day performance. Then we try to figure out if it's better to start the season scoring high or scoring "medium" with room to grow.

Comp Season Weekend 2: Nazareth

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 02:32:48 +0000

Ended last year hot, started this year hot! The Nazareth Dance Team was already strutting into Comp Weekend 2 with confidence after taking home a 1st place trophy last weekend at Andrew. Get to know the team and their thoughts on rising to the next level in this short but sweet chat at the Mundelein competition on November 20th.

Comp Season Weekend 1!

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Sat, 19 Nov 2022 04:35:45 +0000

Hear our super quick convo with Providence Catholic right after their first awards sesh of the season! Early season thoughts with Alli Heckman, coach of the Jacobs Dance Team.

Summer22: Jacksonville Part 2 9/9/22

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Fri, 9 Sep 2022 21:21:00 +0000

Floor vs marley--both have their upsides, though it's always nice to have your own gym and be the main athletic team in town! The Jacksonville J'ettes help us wrap up our summertime podcast tour with some insights on pom, hip hop, and living in both the IHSA and IDTA dance worlds.

Summer22: Jacksonville Part 1 9.5.22

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Mon, 5 Sep 2022 20:51:55 +0000

They're 1A in IHSA, double-A in IDTA--but either way, you're looking at a long-running, high-achieving dance program in the Jacksonville J'ettes! We caught up with the the captains from this Day 2-IHSA state team in their own team gym: juggling pom dance and lyrical/contemporary, prepping for nationals, and looking up to smaller teams around Illinois.

Summer22: Lincoln Way Central Part 2 9.2.22

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Sat, 3 Sep 2022 01:56:59 +0000

In part 2 of our chat with the Rhythm Knights Dance Team, we go over how the glitter...the pregame meals...the bus rides...all goes into the LWC Dance Team experience, and balances with that coming-off-the-floor feeling during competition season. It's a fun team to be on, and definitely a fun bus to be on!

Summer22: Lincoln Way Central Part 1 8.31.22

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Thu, 1 Sep 2022 00:43:57 +0000

The Lincoln-Way Central Rhythm Knights always draw the long road trip just to get to sectionals, but they make the most of their time together on the bus! We explore how their personal dance styles come together to create LWRK's consistently state-ready routines, and also what these team leaders will have to do to knit together a large team with plenty of new faces who don't have a ton of in-person competition experience.

Summer22: St Viator 8.25.22

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Fri, 26 Aug 2022 02:28:49 +0000

In this episode we get to know the St. Viator Dance Team out of Arlington Heights, IL as they talk about the effect of sass and level changes during your halftime routine, setting a legacy for a "new" program, what it's like to pull in dancers from several near (and far) suburbs and still have a cohesive program, and the unknowns that 1A teams often run into at competitions!

Summer22: Normal Community Part 2 8.23.22

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Tue, 23 Aug 2022 18:08:26 +0000

Normal Community's dancers don't hold back on their love for the big Chicago-area IHSA teams, while also offering up some intriguing reasons for more teams to try doing both circuits (IDTA + IHSA)!

Summer22: Normal Community Part 1 8.20.22

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Sun, 21 Aug 2022 02:37:21 +0000

We hit the road to catch up with one of central Illinois' most visible programs in both IHSA and IDTA. The dancers of Normal Community chat about dance surfaces, what hip hop and lyrical-contemporary have in common, life in IHSA and IDTA, and the 2 essentials for a successful carwash fundraiser!

Summer22: Neuqua Valley Part 2 8.15.22

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Mon, 15 Aug 2022 18:56:29 +0000

NVDT throws a lot at ya in just a few minutes--aerials, calypsos, projecting during football halftime routines, what to eat in downtown Naperville, and program stability.

Summer22: Neuqua Valley Part 1 8.12.22

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 15:32:07 +0000

Kinda fun to say, kinda hard to spell: the Neuqua Valley Dance Team! We caught up with the team after a chill summer practice and talked about the program's legacy, the fun of Friday night routines, and their team's overall style and personality.

Summer22: Jacobs Part 2 8.10.22

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Thu, 11 Aug 2022 01:35:47 +0000

The Jacobs dancers offer up some super thoughtful reflections on what it's like to dance for a big-name program in a big-name conference, the full-time lifestyle of dance, and testify to the positive vibes on the dance team scene in Illinois! And then they got to eat lunch (which you won't hear in this podcast).

Summer22: Jacobs Part 1

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Tue, 9 Aug 2022 01:39:19 +0000

Options for counting your song when it's hard to count? And how do you reach your triple after perfecting your double? The H.D. Jacobs Dance Team seniors share their tips...but you'll have to put up with some extra 8CA reminiscences along the way!

Summer22: Glenbard South Part 2

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Sat, 6 Aug 2022 01:45:44 +0000

Part 2 starts off with a look at what it's like for a dancer to try a new genre of dance. And then we drive the bus off into the woods when we start talkin' music...buckle up!

Summer22: Glenbard South Part 1

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Thu, 4 Aug 2022 02:46:03 +0000

With one of the best breakthrough stories of the past few seasons, Glenbard South started strong early in the season and danced all the way to Day 2 at IHSA State! Here's the first half of our chat with the fun personalities that lead the Raider Dance Team...

Summer22: Morris Part 2

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Mon, 1 Aug 2022 21:56:17 +0000

Back for more Morris? Makes total sense, since Morris keeps coming back to that podium at IHSA state, but this time, they got it done as the 1A champs. Get their thoughts on changing up a dance program's style plus some quick technique tips!

Summer22: Morris Part 1

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Sat, 30 Jul 2022 20:41:48 +0000

A wall full of trophies lines the south side of the dance room at Morris...but out in the hall is the biggest one of all: the 2022 1A championship trophy! Here's the first half of our mid-summer chat with the Morris Poms.

Summer22: Burlington Central Part 2

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Thu, 28 Jul 2022 17:22:32 +0000

We wrap up our convo with the leaders from the Central Dance Team...Burlington Central, unofficially : )...with insights on how to discover what your team might want to put into a routine, and what it's like moving to a bigger division in IHSA!

Summer22: Burlington Central Part 1

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Wed, 27 Jul 2022 03:19:25 +0000

An after-practice sesh with Central dancers Hannah and Gabriela, along with some coaching nuggets from Coach Jensen!

Summer22: McHenry

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Fri, 22 Jul 2022 19:27:22 +0000

A post-practice convo with the McHenry Dance Team!

Ep12: Wheaton North Coach Alex Strahanoski and Sandburg Coaches And Captains

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Sun, 26 Jul 2020 20:47:37 +0000

Wheaton North's got a new coach! She's Coach Strah (for short) and she brings years of 3A experience to the Falconettes. We go over what it's like to take over a major program in the middle of a pandemic and run practices outside in the 3rd warmest summer on record. Not only do we revisit her time as an Oswego East dancer, but we also talk about her time on the Illinettes Dance Team and what high school dancers can do right now to prep for being on a college dance team. Next up is about 25% of a Top 8 list ('cause we ran out of time...): changes that coaches would like to see in Illinois competitive dance based on the surveys we went out at the start of summer. We only got through #8 and #7, but it's enough to get the ADs talking. We end with something new: a post-practice chat with Sandburg's coaches and captains, right in their dance room! Coaches Jill Roberson and Danielle Latorre go over the process of strategizing as either a jazz or a lyrical team, instilling mental toughness, and learning musicality. Their captains also reveal how they improved on specific skills that, at first, didn't come naturally. Finally you'll hear a snippet of audio from possibly our only summer practice visit of 2020...

Random Office quote: "Please don't smell me, Michael."

Ep11: Elmwood Coach Emily Roberts and York Coach Alyssa Ortiz

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Sun, 5 Jul 2020 23:34:00 +0000

Ninety IHSA teams meet up in Bloomington every winter for IHSA state, but their backgrounds and circumstances can vary wildly. West-central Illinois pom specialists Elmwood came out of sectionals on fire. They played their cards right and landed among all the stellar Day 2 teams in 1A, and Coach Emily Roberts shares with us all the drilling and repetition it took to bring that kind of polish to the IHSA state floor...AND the crafty creativity it takes to come up with a very specific theme. And her small town team? Girls with no formal training but plenty of athletic ability. Around 1 out of every 10 girls at Elmwood are on this Day 2 team! Then there's 3A York, whose dancers wear the pressure of being recent state champs with a lot of grace and determination. Coach Alyssa Ortiz talks about how she keeps the pressure in check and lets the team thrive on their dancers' desire and hunger to perform at a high level, especially when it counts at the end of the season. We chat about the sisterhood of being on this elite team, along with her own path from JV coach to elite 3A varsity coach. Alyssa also shares her approach to helping kids who are on the JV-varsity borderline to cross over solidly into varsity territory! Sprinkled elsewhere throughout Episode 11 are all the details on our new 8CA Technique Sessions: what they can do for your team, how they're way different from any other instructional experience out there, how we built extra value into the pricing, and how we found the best teachers that perfectly fit the 8CA approach and philosophy!

Ep10: Part 2 with St Charles East Coach Batka and Downers Grove South Coach Jovic

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 14:00:06 +0000

And, we're back! Sorta. Because high school sports teams can start working out at school again, though for now it's just conditioning and strengthening. We'll tell you why this first move isn't yet very useful for dance teams. We talk about our week-long pause to reflect on racial injustice and how we can do better, and we give a special shoutout to dancers going through the disappointment of knowing that someone close to them is letting them down on this issue. Then it's time for part 2 from our convo with St Charles East DT Coach Kari Batka! She walks us through her virtual tryouts process and how her new coaching staff helped sort through 54 candidates. She then rips through a concise but amazing timeline of her coaching career, which basically parallels the history of competitive dance in Illinois! Next we chat with Downers Grove South Fillies Dance Team Coach Dawn Jovic who led her program to an excellent season even though they didn't get to state. She shares how her outstanding assistant and team alum helped build the program back up over the past few seasons, the DGS Fillies' jazz and pom specialties, and how dance teams have evolved over her career but also how some things never change...like technique fundamentals! Plus we rundown all the info we're looking for in the 8CA surveys we sent out recently.

Random Office quote: "I...declare...bankruptcy!!!"

Ep9: Part 1 with St Charles East Coach Kari Batka

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil, Kari Batka) — Tue, 26 May 2020 20:51:55 +0000

Knockin' on summer's door? Depends on your school calendar. And that also means it's a confusing time for Illinois' high school dance teams as they grapple with IHSA's suspension of summer contact days. Does it include virtual contact? Can teams meet virtually, or can they also do physically athletic practice-y stuff? Can it include what they usually do during summer contact, which is choreo and competition elements? And since it sounds a lot like August's "no contact week," can coaches even be involved on a Zoom meeting? Yikes. At least we have Part 1 of our awesome convo with St. Charles East's Kari Batka, who's among the deans of high school dance in IL. She tells us about how her team flexed its mental flexibility when they and fellow 3A giants Lake Park came to comp season with the same concept, song, and costumes. It's only half the convo this week, but you'll hear the thought process of one of our sport's most experienced minds. And we've got a quirky top 8 list: the hardest transitions to make as a dancer within a dance program!

This week's random Office quote:

"I throw myself at the mercy of the deposition."

Ep8: Nashville Coach Alyssa Lohmann, Jacobs Coach Alli Heckman, Huntley Coach Chrissy Amling

music@8countaudio.com (Alyssa Lohmann, Chrissy Amling, Alli Heckman, Norm Ramil) — Thu, 7 May 2020 21:47:20 +0000

One of Illinois' mini-hotspots for competitive dance is that stretch of southern Illinois between the St. Louis suburbs and Carbondale. That's where the Stingers Dance Team (coached by alum Alyssa Lohmann) do their thing, taking on the IDTA season while also going for an IHSA state qualification. Alyssa takes us through the process of putting a team together with virtual tryouts, the mindset of crafting a lyrical or jazz routine and how to make them work for both the IDTA and IHSA rubrics, and her lifelong pathway toward coaching. Next we breakdown the poll results from our insta story post over the weekend: which is grosser, old jazz shoes or old poms? Hard to segue out of that one, but worrying about those mega-popular turns in seconde will snap you out of it! Coach Alli Heckman has her outstanding tips for getting those a-la-seconde turns better, and we also peak into her return to coaching and taking the reins of the Jacobs Dance program. Then I run through the top 8 most interesting things about the 2008 TDI state schedule (which we posted on instagram last week), including certain teams doing styles you could barely imagine them doing right now! We wrap with the effervescent Coach Amling from Huntley. She takes us behind the scenes of their hip hop routine from this past season, uncovers some hip hop dance wisdom, and serves up some tips on how to host a smoothly running competition! Finishing touches: our fave posts from everyone else's social media over the past week, and a hint to our Illinois coaches on why we're going to need your help with our 8CA questionnaire!

This week's random Office quote:

Dwight: What were your favorite moments?
Michael: Oh, hmm, all of them. I loved them all. Every single one.
Dwight: What about when Jan said the branch was closing?
Michael: God, Dwight!

Ep7: Murphysboro Coach Carleigh Schimpf and Libertyville Coach Casey Dugan 04.22.20

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil, Casey Dugan, Carleigh Schimpf) — Wed, 22 Apr 2020 21:52:17 +0000

Dance is hot all around the state of Illinois, and Coach Carleigh Schimpf's Murphysboro Devil Dazzlers are Exhibit A of that argument for the southern Illinois dance scene! She reveals the ingredients that led her program to break through to the next level, garnering lots of praise and attention at both IHSA and IDTA state. Chicago-area teams (and even St. Louis-area teams), you'll want to listen in on Carleigh's thoughts of what makes dance in her part of the state so vibrant! Coach Casey Dugan from Libertyville joins us for an in-depth convo on her team's two comp routines this past season, and why one of them was such a departure from their normal dance menu. We also touch on the power of Libertyville's thoughtful athletics culture and philosophy, plus all the benefits of having several high quality studios feed into the high school's dance program. We wrap it up with a few shout outs to college and high school teams that nailed it on social media over the past week! Random Office quote: "That wasn't a tapeworm."

Ep6: college coach and choreographer Lindsey Lococo 04.15.20

music@8countaudio.com (Lindsey Lococo, Norm Ramil) — Thu, 16 Apr 2020 00:35:06 +0000

Dancing at the next level after high school isn't necessarily like the typical Big 10 dance team experience. Perform with the University of Illinois-Chicago (UIC) Dancing Flames, and you'll feel some strong pro dance team vibes. No football program? No problem. Lindsey describes how UIC dancers stay busy through the fall with soccer and then really turn it up with a busy game day during basketball season. Then it's time for nationals...or for this season, having to wait until next year. Coach Lococo explains what most teams are planning to do with this year's unused routines and costumes. Oh, and she's choreographed some of Illinois' most memorable high school dance team routines over the years! You'll hear about her approach to working with different styles and teams, and her crafty methods when it comes to staging and musicality. What can teams do to scoop just a couple extra musicality points? Coach LL has that covered, too. And for the novice choreographers out there looking to design dances for their team's halftimes and even comp season routines, Lindsey has some wise advice and tips. Besides that amazing convo, I've got my usual shout outs to teams who are killin' it on Instagram! This week's random Office quote: "Everyone INSIDE the car was fine, Stanley..."

Ep5: the one where we stopped using long titles and just went with something like 4.8.20

music@8countaudio.com (Megan Fuechsl, Norm Ramil, Carley Tarantino) — Wed, 8 Apr 2020 22:50:37 +0000

We value growth here at 8CA, so it was great to break it down with 2 coaches who focused on making sure their teams were ambitious, mentally flexible, and continuously prepared through the summer, fall, and winter. Both coaches take us from the start through the end of their seasons and chart their experiences as dancers and coaches. Huge thanks to Coach Tarantino at OPRF and Coach Fuechsl at Payton for all their insights! And JV teams, we put the spotlight on you with 8 teams that crushed it during the '19-'20 season, along with a few extra teams that deserve some high fives, too. With everyone stuck at home, it's easy to fall into Instagram rabbit holes. Luckily there's enough entertaining and heart-warming stuff out there thanks to Illinois' amazing dance teams, and we call out some of the best items we've come across in the past couple weeks. Stay well, keep stretching, and when your Houseparty app gets boring, be sure to rewind to our earlier podcasts for more great tips on tech and coaching! Random Office reference: "Peace out, Seacrest."

Ep4: the one that had coaches from Minooka Hinsdale South Reavis and our staffer Sophie

Tue, 24 Mar 2020 23:41:43 +0000

Stuck at home for spring break during these unprecedented times? Well we've got plenty of dance for ya. Minooka Coach Melissa Wallace takes us through their 3rd place 3A experience and what it was like to coach such a talented team all year. And what about the teams that didn't get a state experience? We give 8 of them a big shoutout in our Top 8 non-qualifiers list (and 4 more because we can't stop at 8). 8CA staffer Sophie Leskis shares what game day is like on her college dance team and gives us the scoop on tryouts at Illinois. We also speak with veteran coach Courtney Gillette of Hinsdale South on what it's like to do so well in both IHSA and IDTA, and how her program survived budget cuts and added jazz to their dance arsenal. Reavis Coach Kaitlin Farrell joins us for a revealing chat about how she redirected her program towards pom and what it takes to make a pom routine vibrant and successful. Plus...tons of technique, planning, and team management tips sprinkled throughout, like bacon inside of waffle batter. Yes.

Ep3: the one where coronavirus cancelled the state dance tourney in Indiana and then we talked about coaching, being on 8CA, and tech

music@8countaudio.com (Alli Heckman, Megan Voitik, Hannah Bolden, Norm Ramil) — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 22:38:01 +0000

Sad news about Indiana's cancelled state dance event, and happier news about teams returning from NDA nationals. We chat with newly-former Waubonsie Valley coach Megan Voitik on her experiences on both days at state and wrapping up her time with WV, plus some fun memories of her time dancing at Neuqua Valley back in the day! We check out Minnesota's unique way of closing out their dance season. What's it like to watch competitions as a part of the 8CA squad? Hannah Bolden lets you know. She also tells us what is was like to be on Lincoln-Way Central while they suddenly erupted into an elite 3A team, and we cover some tryouts tips as well. Alli Heckman stops by to talk dance categories, grand jete tips, and spinning disc technique. Hint: it's all about the booty.

Ep2: the one where we started having guests and talked technique

music@8countaudio.com (Alli Heckman, Kelsey Kunz, Norm Ramil) — Sat, 7 Mar 2020 05:01:52 +0000

Almost 6 weeks later and we're still in awe of the outstanding teams that took home big trophies in 2A and 1A at IHSA state. I've got some interesting notes on what I saw at Indiana's north regional on Leap Day 2020, which is the final step before their state comp. And this podcast just turned up thanks to our very first guest: Kelsey Kunz, the rookie coach who led Joliet Catholic to a 3rd place finish in 1A! We recap her experiences as a first-year coach on a big-name team, throw the spotlight on their trainer (who apparently has unreal flexibility for a middle-aged dude), and uncover the mystery of whether or not an actual celebrity came to one of their football games. Then we reveal our top 8 list of Day 1 routines that didn't make it to Day 2. Hmm, another guest? Yup, did it. This time it's former coach Alli Heckman from Crystal Lake Central talking about her first year away from coaching and her thoughts on the routines she watched, along with a deep dive into the secret to developing legit quads! We explore the philosophical question that keeps you up at night: would you rather have a team with clean triples or somewhat clean quads? We wrap it up by revealing our top 8 Day 2 teams who didn't get on the podium but were still basically awesome.

Ep1: the one that started it all

music@8countaudio.com (Norm Ramil) — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 18:22:32 +0000

Woot, dance fans! We launch the 8CA podcast with a heartfelt thank you to the entire IL dance community, and then we go into our interview with 3A state champs Stevenson as they prep to leave for DTU nationals. We run down our IL teams and how they did at DTU, throw some love toward the 3A top finishers on Day 2 of IHSA state, and then unleash a quick primer on what IDTA is all about along with the top finishers at IDTA state! Minnesota-wise, we barely scratch the surface, but we're pretty sure you're going to love any routines you might come across. Twitter: @8CountAudio. Insta: 8countaudio.