About Us
The Ashwaubenon Jaguaress Dance Team is an award-winning athletic program at Ashwaubenon High School built on a tradition of high standards and expectations. The purpose of the program is to cultivate a love of dance, develop self-discipline, promote excellence in teamwork, and foster a strong sense of responsibility to one another, to the program, and to the Ashwaubenon High School community.
The Jaguaress Dance Team is a competitive team comparable to all varsity sports at Ashwaubenon High School. Team members are trained in multiple styles of dance and are expected to demonstrate commitment, discipline, and dedication throughout the season.
Primary Competitive Focus
The team’s main competitive routines include:
Pom – Emphasis on synchronization and the visual effect of poms.
High Kick – Emphasis on the quality, precision, and visual impact of kicks.
Jazz – Emphasis on technical skill, style, and execution.
Secondary Focus (Selected Years)
Based on coaching discretion, the team may also perform:
Hip-Hop – Sharp, synchronized choreography in a street or hip-hop style.
Fall Football Routine – Designed for crowd appeal and performance on a football field.
Sidelines – Choreography adaptable to various songs and settings.
Season Commitment
Dancers are required to make a three-season commitment during the school year: Summer, Fall, and Winter.
The team performs at:
Varsity football and basketball games
Homecoming Pep Assembly and Parade
All post-season playoff games for football and basketball
The competitive portion of the season begins in November, with competitions held throughout the winter.
WACPC Competition
The team competes in Regional and State events hosted by WACPC (Wisconsin Association of Cheer/Pom Coaches).
At the conclusion of the season, the team competes at the WACPC Regional Competition, where up to three routines may be performed. Qualifying routines advance to the WACPC State Dance Competition, held the first weekend in February.
In 2026, the team was named:
Division 2 Kick Northern Regional Champions / Division 3 Pom Northern Regional Runners-Up / Division 2 Jazz - 3rd Place
The Ashwaubenon Dance Team has earned 10 State Championship titles in school history:
2026 – Division 2 Kick / 2025 – Division 2 Kick / 2023 – Division 2 Kick / 2022 – Division 2 Kick / 2021 – Division 2 Pom / 2019 – Division 2 Kick and Division 2 Pom / 2018 – Division 1 Kick / 2014 – Division 2 Pom / 1988 – Novelty
Out-of-State and National Competitions
The team has also competed at prestigious out-of-state and national competitions, including:
DX Americup – Minneapolis, MN / Contest of Champions – Orlando, FL / Dance Team Union - Orlando, FL / NDA – Orlando, FL
In 2026, the team advanced to finals at NDA Nationals, placing 4th in Large Kick and 11th in Large Pom.
Additional national achievements include:
2022 Contest of Champions – Small Novelty/Character Division Champions
2017 Contest of Champions – Small Pom Champions
2018 DX Americup – High School Pom and High School Kick Champions, and Grand Champion Overall
Ashwaubenon Dance Invitational
In 2011, the Jaguaress Dance Team hosted the first Ashwaubenon Dance Invitational at Ashwaubenon High School. Held annually on the first Saturday in December, the competition has grown to host up to 134 teams and is now considered one of the largest and most prestigious dance competitions in Wisconsin.
Team Expectations and Philosophy
There are many opportunities available to students in high school. Joining the Jaguaress Dance Team is a significant time commitment; however, for many, the experience is well worth it.
Dancers develop time management skills, form lasting friendships, and are challenged both physically and mentally. The team includes individuals with a wide range of experience levels—from highly trained dancers to those new to dance. One of the strengths of a high school dance team is the ability to mold diverse individuals into a cohesive, synchronized team.
Every dancer selected for the team is required to attend all competition days. Some dancers may be designated as alternates due to routine size limitations; however, alternates are equally valued and play an essential role in team success.
As a performance-based team, every individual’s decisions directly impact the group. Preparation for competition requires months of dedicated practice. Unlike some sports, there is not a pool of interchangeable substitutes ready to step in without preparation. Responsibility, accountability, and teamwork are essential.
There is no size cap on the team. Students who can manage the time and financial commitment are encouraged to participate, even if they are involved in other activities.
Coaching Staff
Rodney Anderson
Coach Rodney Anderson enters his 21st year coaching varsity dance, including 17 years at Ashwaubenon and 4 years at Waupaca. Over his career, he has choreographed 16 Varsity State Championship-winning routines (7 Pom, 6 Kick, 3 Jazz). Nine of these were with Ashwaubenon, four with Waupaca, and three with Franklin He has qualified all 20 of his varsity teams for the WACPC State Dance Competition since 2006. He served as a WACPC At-Large Board Member in 2024–2025. In 2024, he was recognized as a WACPC Dance Coach of the Year with Andrew Meinel.
Andrew Meinel
Coach Andrew Meinel enters his 17th year with the Jaguaress Dance Team. In addition to assisting at practices and competitions, he coordinates fundraising efforts, music editing, formation design, uniform planning, and the Ashwaubenon Dance Invitational. He previously served as the WACPC District 3 Representative and was also recognized as a 2024 WACPC Dance Coach of the Year with Rodney Anderson.
Ashley Shimanek
Ashley Shimanek serves as assistant coach. She helped establish the middle school dance program within the Ashwaubenon School District and coaches the Parkview Middle School Dance Team. A former Jaguaress dancer, she also competed as a member of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Dance Team.
Looking Ahead
The Ashwaubenon Jaguaress Dance Team looks forward to each new season with renewed energy—new costumes, new music, new choreography, and new team members.
We believe in this team. We believe in every dancer who earns a place on it. We believe in the growth, success, and excellence that come from commitment and teamwork.
Coaches Rodney Anderson, Andrew Meinel, and Ashley Shimanek
2026–2027 Ashwaubenon Jaguaress Dance Team
The Jaguaress Dance Team is a competitive team comparable to all varsity sports at Ashwaubenon High School. Team members are trained in multiple styles of dance and are expected to demonstrate commitment, discipline, and dedication throughout the season.
Primary Competitive Focus
The team’s main competitive routines include:
Pom – Emphasis on synchronization and the visual effect of poms.
High Kick – Emphasis on the quality, precision, and visual impact of kicks.
Jazz – Emphasis on technical skill, style, and execution.
Secondary Focus (Selected Years)
Based on coaching discretion, the team may also perform:
Hip-Hop – Sharp, synchronized choreography in a street or hip-hop style.
Fall Football Routine – Designed for crowd appeal and performance on a football field.
Sidelines – Choreography adaptable to various songs and settings.
Season Commitment
Dancers are required to make a three-season commitment during the school year: Summer, Fall, and Winter.
The team performs at:
Varsity football and basketball games
Homecoming Pep Assembly and Parade
All post-season playoff games for football and basketball
The competitive portion of the season begins in November, with competitions held throughout the winter.
WACPC Competition
The team competes in Regional and State events hosted by WACPC (Wisconsin Association of Cheer/Pom Coaches).
At the conclusion of the season, the team competes at the WACPC Regional Competition, where up to three routines may be performed. Qualifying routines advance to the WACPC State Dance Competition, held the first weekend in February.
In 2026, the team was named:
Division 2 Kick Northern Regional Champions / Division 3 Pom Northern Regional Runners-Up / Division 2 Jazz - 3rd Place
The Ashwaubenon Dance Team has earned 10 State Championship titles in school history:
2026 – Division 2 Kick / 2025 – Division 2 Kick / 2023 – Division 2 Kick / 2022 – Division 2 Kick / 2021 – Division 2 Pom / 2019 – Division 2 Kick and Division 2 Pom / 2018 – Division 1 Kick / 2014 – Division 2 Pom / 1988 – Novelty
Out-of-State and National Competitions
The team has also competed at prestigious out-of-state and national competitions, including:
DX Americup – Minneapolis, MN / Contest of Champions – Orlando, FL / Dance Team Union - Orlando, FL / NDA – Orlando, FL
In 2026, the team advanced to finals at NDA Nationals, placing 4th in Large Kick and 11th in Large Pom.
Additional national achievements include:
2022 Contest of Champions – Small Novelty/Character Division Champions
2017 Contest of Champions – Small Pom Champions
2018 DX Americup – High School Pom and High School Kick Champions, and Grand Champion Overall
Ashwaubenon Dance Invitational
In 2011, the Jaguaress Dance Team hosted the first Ashwaubenon Dance Invitational at Ashwaubenon High School. Held annually on the first Saturday in December, the competition has grown to host up to 134 teams and is now considered one of the largest and most prestigious dance competitions in Wisconsin.
Team Expectations and Philosophy
There are many opportunities available to students in high school. Joining the Jaguaress Dance Team is a significant time commitment; however, for many, the experience is well worth it.
Dancers develop time management skills, form lasting friendships, and are challenged both physically and mentally. The team includes individuals with a wide range of experience levels—from highly trained dancers to those new to dance. One of the strengths of a high school dance team is the ability to mold diverse individuals into a cohesive, synchronized team.
Every dancer selected for the team is required to attend all competition days. Some dancers may be designated as alternates due to routine size limitations; however, alternates are equally valued and play an essential role in team success.
As a performance-based team, every individual’s decisions directly impact the group. Preparation for competition requires months of dedicated practice. Unlike some sports, there is not a pool of interchangeable substitutes ready to step in without preparation. Responsibility, accountability, and teamwork are essential.
There is no size cap on the team. Students who can manage the time and financial commitment are encouraged to participate, even if they are involved in other activities.
Coaching Staff
Rodney Anderson
Coach Rodney Anderson enters his 21st year coaching varsity dance, including 17 years at Ashwaubenon and 4 years at Waupaca. Over his career, he has choreographed 16 Varsity State Championship-winning routines (7 Pom, 6 Kick, 3 Jazz). Nine of these were with Ashwaubenon, four with Waupaca, and three with Franklin He has qualified all 20 of his varsity teams for the WACPC State Dance Competition since 2006. He served as a WACPC At-Large Board Member in 2024–2025. In 2024, he was recognized as a WACPC Dance Coach of the Year with Andrew Meinel.
Andrew Meinel
Coach Andrew Meinel enters his 17th year with the Jaguaress Dance Team. In addition to assisting at practices and competitions, he coordinates fundraising efforts, music editing, formation design, uniform planning, and the Ashwaubenon Dance Invitational. He previously served as the WACPC District 3 Representative and was also recognized as a 2024 WACPC Dance Coach of the Year with Rodney Anderson.
Ashley Shimanek
Ashley Shimanek serves as assistant coach. She helped establish the middle school dance program within the Ashwaubenon School District and coaches the Parkview Middle School Dance Team. A former Jaguaress dancer, she also competed as a member of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Dance Team.
Looking Ahead
The Ashwaubenon Jaguaress Dance Team looks forward to each new season with renewed energy—new costumes, new music, new choreography, and new team members.
We believe in this team. We believe in every dancer who earns a place on it. We believe in the growth, success, and excellence that come from commitment and teamwork.
Coaches Rodney Anderson, Andrew Meinel, and Ashley Shimanek
2026–2027 Ashwaubenon Jaguaress Dance Team
