Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ellsworth Community College Dance Team decided to submit their Iowa State Dance and Drill Team performance virtually – and that wasn't the only change for the team this season.

"We are still happy that we actually get to send a video and actually get to have it judged and get points and a score," said sophomore dancer Caitlyn Bartholomew. "Even though it's not in person, it's still awesome that we get to actually perform and get a score for it instead of just not being able to do it at all."

Every practice the team has to stand six feet apart and wear masks. Some practice time has been canceled or postponed due to a COVID-19 exposure.

All of the rules are the same for ECC performing virtually as if they were there in-person. During the routine, they must stand six feet apart or they will get docked points. Garment rules, floor rules, choreography – all in play.

One positive is the size of the team – five members, four performing. They have more space on the floor to be six feet apart and not touch.

Because they are submitting their dance virtually, they can do as many takes and run-throughs as they need to make sure they send the best possible option to be judged.

The deadline for submissions was Nov. 19 and they will find out how their Pom Routine did at the virtual awards on Saturday, Dec. 5.

"This is our second time as a team because we started the dance team in 2019," said Panther dance and cheer coach Aubree Gilbreth. "Last time we placed fifth out of seven teams so I just hope every year we just keep growing and keep getting better and just try to hit our goals."

For more on this dance team and for more photos from their performance visit: http://www.timescitizen.com/sports/ecc-submits-state-routine-virtually/article_66f77bb2-2dd6-11eb-b82b-fbefd784f241.html