Southland Dancing Lady Eagles Win IHSA Sectional Championship in Program’s First Year

The Southland College Prep Dancing Lady Eagles earned first place Saturday, Jan. 24, at the IHSA Class 1A Competitive Dance Sectional Championship, capturing a sectional title and qualifying for the IHSA State Competition in the program’s inaugural season.

The sectional championship was held at Maine South High School in Park Ridge, Illinois. Performing a competitive routine to “Smooth Criminal” by Michael Jackson, the Lady Eagles secured the top score of the competition and brought home Southland’s first competitive dance sectional plaque.
With the victory, Southland qualified for the IHSA Competitive Dance State Finals, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Jan. 30–31, 2026, at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington.

Members of the championship team include Binah McClerklin, Kayla Dixon, Hhai'dyn Hodges, Arielle Lytle, LeiLani Barnes, Desmariah Thomas, Nia Talbert, Cerena Hudson, Ahmya Merritt, Alexis Smith and Michellin Oduro. Team managers Arielle Gaines and Layla Wood also contributed to the team’s success.

The competitive dance program is led by coaches Gloria Chatman and Eketi Phillips. This season marked Southland’s first year competing in IHSA competitive dance.

Additional information about the IHSA Competitive Dance State Finals is available at www.ihsa.org.