The Centahna Drill and Dance Showcase opened the dance team season last weekend.

The event brought 551 dance and drill team members to Century High School for the exhibition event. It provided members an opportunity to compete without the pressure of a competitive event.

"It's not competitive where we give out trophies," showcase organizer Dan Beyer said. "The girls get warmed up for the season."

More teams participated this year compared to last year. There were about 200 more girls in the event than last year. The reason could be that the showcase was about a week later than last year, Beyer said.

The event packed both sides of the Century High School gym with about 1,200 spectators, he said.

Up next is the Centations Home Show at Center-Stanton High School. The Bismarck High School Demonette Invitational is Dec. 20, and the St. Mary's Central High School Invitational is Jan. 17.

The dance teams belong to the North Dakota Association of Dance and Drill.

The state competition is Jan. 30 and 31 at Minot State University.

- Sara Kincaid