Bemidji Blue Angels win high-kick, place second in jazz at Detroit Lakes

The Bemidji High School Blue Angels took first place in the high-kick competition and second place in jazz at the Detroit Lakes Invitational on Jan. 15, 2026, signaling early momentum for the team's prep-season schedule. In high kick, Bemidji finished ahead of Detroit Lakes, Alexandria and Moorhead; in jazz the host school edged Bemidji for the top spot.

The results highlight the athletic and artistic work of local students and offer a morale boost for families and supporters across Beltrami County. For a rural district like ours, visible wins at regional invitationals bring the community together, drive attendance at future events and reinforce the role of school activities in student life.

Beyond trophies, participation in dance programs affects health and wellbeing. Regular practice builds cardiovascular fitness, flexibility and coordination while the teamwork and discipline required contribute to mental health, resilience and social connection among teens. Those benefits underscore why access to extracurriculars matters for public health: consistent opportunities for movement and meaningful social engagement can reduce isolation and support positive youth development in a county where safe, affordable activity options are not always evenly distributed.

The Invitational served as a working competition for Bemidji coaches and dancers to test choreography, uniform timing and stamina under judged conditions as they prepare for the season. Competing against programs from Detroit Lakes, Alexandria and Moorhead gives coaches comparative data on technique and show structure that can shape training priorities in the weeks ahead.

Community and policy considerations follow performances like this one. Local school boards, boosters and parent groups decide how to allocate transportation budgets, facility time and coaching support. When teams deliver competitive results, it can strengthen appeals for resources—but it also raises equity questions. Ensuring all students who want to try dance or other extracurriculars can do so regardless of family income requires attention to travel costs, scholarship availability and afterschool supervision, especially in smaller towns and townships across Beltrami County.

For residents who cheer on the Blue Angels, the Invitational results are an early sign of a season worth following. As the team moves through its prep competitions, families and local leaders can help by supporting equitable access to programs, attending performances and advocating for stable funding so the physical, social and mental health benefits of school activities reach more young people in the community.