HERMISTON — The Hermiston High School Dance team brought a state title home from the recent Washington Interscholastic Activities Association championships.

Hermiston took the state champions crown March 28 in the 2A/3A Show Division at the Yakima Valley SunDome.

“As an athletic department, we are very proud of our team’s accomplishment of winning another state championship,” Hermiston Athletic Director Larry Usher said. “Their work ethic, commitment to the program, and ability to persevere is very impressive.”

Dance routines in the division focus on a story or theme, according to the WIAA. The choreography must express the storyline, and dancers may use props during the routine.

The theme of Hermiston’s championship routine was “Unchained” and dealt with the issues of depression, anxiety, grief and trauma, and the ability to break free with the mind.

“This team overcame a lot of challenges this season,” said Alex Anteau, head coach of the Bulldogs. “We were all going through something at some point, it brought us closer together, and by the end of the season we were ready to break free and move on.”

Using chains as props to literally and figuratively “break free” during its routine, Hermiston earned a score of 247.9 to beat out Shorewood and Rogers for the title.

Hermiston’s 2025 state title is the eighth across hip hop, dance or show since 2019 for the Bulldogs dance dynasty.

“This group of 20 dancers is the best I’ve ever had,” Anteau said. “They were a tight-knit group that all got along, worked hard and grew together. I’m excited for next season.”