Cleveland’s Sundancers board the “ship of dreams” as they choose “Titanic” as their state theme for the 2017 season.

Last year, the group of girls took 13th out of 27 teams at state with their theme “Shadows.” Now that fall season is coming to a close, the team is looking forward to competition season and working towards state.

“We were great during fall season and progressed as state season approaches, but I feel like this year it’s already pretty much our state season. We’re coming together as a team and placing well,” said Peyton Hamilton, junior, on the season so far.

The coaches chose the “Titanic” theme for this year on Nov. 12 by the coaches. The team is developing the theme with a song, pattern, and creating a costume for state. They also will continue competing throughout the winter season in about eight different competitions.

The Sundancers started strong at their second competition Nov. 12. They placed first in Jazz, and third in Contemporary and Pom.

“We are trying to qualify in all three of our routines for the category championship, which is in December,” said Anna Lichtman, senior captain on the team. Another captain, Kylie Haney added, “We’re pretty safe with our Pom category, but we have to place first or second and have a certain score.”

Looking ahead, they are focused on both competitions and preparing for their state dance. Though they just recently found out about the theme, they have already started creating patterns this week so they can have it down by March.

“I just hope that we do our best [at State],” said Haney. “I mean, placing would be nice but as long as everyone tries and gives it their best then that’s all we really need to be successful.”