Jimmy Lafakis/MDN Minot High sophomore Reece Rice dances during a practice. The Majettes will compete at state in Grand Forks this weekend.

Alexis Klabunde always wanted to lead a dance program. After graduating from Minot High School in 2014, Klabunde had her sights set on the future.

This weekend, Klabunde and the Majettes’ varsity dance team will take on this year’s North Dakota Association Dance and Drill (NDADD) state competition at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks. Minot will compete in the pom, jazz and kick categories.

“They’re such a team,” Klabunde said. “I’m so proud that they value the work their teammates put in. It’s evident when we go to compete. They have worked really hard and they want it really bad.”

The Majettes are peaking at the right time. Last weekend, they placed first in all of their routines during an invite at Bismarck Legacy.

“It was one of those moments,” Klabunde said. “They finally got the feeling where all of their hard work was paying off, especially the week before the state competition.”

Klabunde became the head coach in September. Since then, she has watched the Majettes thrive in their particular roles.

“They didn’t realize their potential and the strengths they actually have,” Klabunde said. “This team is very humble, and I admire that about every girl on the team. They work hard, and they’re never satisfied. They always want to keep going and work that much harder. They are very proud to represent their school.”

A balanced mix of underclassmen and upperclassmen takes the floor for the Majettes. Seven seniors lead the charge.

“It’s just great to know that you’re going to have a good time even though you’re working hard to improve,” senior Chauncee Knittel said.“You are surrounded by all of your best friends.”

Knittel serves as a senior captain. She started dancing at the age of five and maintained her devout passion.

“I can’t imagine my life without it,” Knittel said. “It means so much to me to be on the team throughout all these years. It’s an honor to dance for the Minot High dance team. It’s representing the school, going to the competitions and showing everyone what we can do. Just representing the school is an honor.”

At the beginning of the season, the Majettes adjusted to Klabunde’s coaching style. Although the team needed to work out some early kinks, everything seemed to click at Legacy.

“We had more confidence,” senior Shannon Marx said. “We felt more comfortable, and we were motivated to do well.”

Marx, another senior captain, said the older Majettes will offer constructive criticism to teammates. That feedback, film study and positive reinforcement has helped the Majettes gel.

After a season of growth and development, Marx and her fellow seniors will hit the stage for one final time.

“It’s kind of emotional,” she said. “We’ve all been dancing together for so long. It’s our last outing, and we’re putting everything we have ever done into our last competition.”

Although the Majettes take their craft seriously, they also enjoy having some light-hearted fun. Earlier this month, the dance squad showed off a special routine at the Magic City Campus.

The Majettes performed with some select peers — the Minot High boys basketball team.

“I thought, ‘What a fun way to involve to totally different sports into one,'” Klabunde said. “You give people a laugh, because it’s fun to watch basketball players dance. I also think that it was something that the girls found to (realize) what we do is challenging. They work really hard, and it’s not an easy job to be on a varsity dance team. I also think it gives other people an idea that they work hard.”

Stiff competition awaits the Majettes. East teams like West Fargo, Fargo Davies and West Fargo Sheyenne pack some pop.

Regardless of outcome, Minot has proved its mettle. In her first season as head coach, Klabunde has witnessed the Majettes blossom.

“I’m just so honored to be their coach,” she said. “I’m so proud of them. They have really flipped the switch, and have really done their best. Earning those first-place trophies at that competition has shown them that they are capable of breaking barriers and doing great things. I hope that they walk into the state competition with that mentality.”

Jimmy Lafakis covers Minot High School sports and Class B high school sports. Follow him on Twitter @JJLII30.