Submitted photo: Fort Dodge junior Samantha Smith poses with her fourth-place Class IX dance trophy at the ISDTA Championships in Des Moines.

DES MOINES — Samantha Smith knows she is only able to control so much as a solo dance performer at the Iowa State Dance and Drill Team Championships.

The Fort Dodge Senior High junior had high expectations for herself heading into last week’s 48th annual competition, which is the largest of its kind in the nation. Last year, as an underclassman, Smith became the first Dodger in school history to reach the Top-5 individually with a third-place finish in the Class IX Dance category.

Smith repeated the feat with another impressive showing at this year’s ISDTA event, securing fourth place on the judges’ aggregate leaderboard. Of course, Smith had her sights set on gold. She found closure, however, in knowing she left everything on the floor.

“The state solo finals held a lot of pressure,” Smith said. “It was one of the most competitive (situations) I’ve ever been a part of in my seven years of dancing (in front of judges for placing and awards). Going into the finals, I knew that I just had to perform and breathe through every second of my performance. It was an accomplishment to just make it to the finals…as long as I gave it my all on the floor, I would be proud of myself.

“The tricky thing about dance is that it is entirely subjective. There is no point system; it’s just an opinion of three people who determine the outcome of your performance. No matter what the judges wrote down, I knew that my performance was one of my best, and I should be proud of myself no matter what.”

Smith felt confident in her efforts, both with the routine and execution. She finished behind only Jordyn Green of Dallas Center-Grimes, North Scott’s Paityn Leigh, and Council Bluffs Lewis Central’s Addison Schmitt.

There were 10 total finalists from a field of over 70 in the Class IX bracket.

“I knew I just had to perform and dance to the best of my ability,” Smith said. “It was nerve-racking leading up to (the competition), but once I got onto the floor, my nerves disappeared, and I danced freely. I gave that performance everything I had in me, and felt that it was one of my best performances yet. I hit every skill, felt every emotion, and walked off the floor with zero regret.

“I knew I did my best and that what the judges (ultimately decided) was out of my control. No matter the results, I was proud of how I performed. Walking off the floor, I felt a sense of accomplishment and relief. It was amazing getting to hug all of my family and friends, and having everyone be so excited about how well my performance went.”

The Fort Dodge dance squad, under the direction of head coach Emily Eastwood, had another strong showing this year at state. In addition to Smith’s efforts, the Dodgers were fourth in the hip-hop competition, fifth in jazz, and sixth in pom.

“State is a long road for both the solo and team competitions,” Smith said. “As a team, we practice four or five times every week, trying to perfect everything about our routines. We learn these routines in late August/early September and work on them for four months, while also balancing school, performing different routines at football games, and being involved in other activities.

“It can sometimes get difficult and stressful, but that’s when my love of dance shines through. I love the pressure that comes with state dance, and I also enjoy spending time with my team at these long and difficult practices. It brings us closer together, and we all do a great job of encouraging and lifting each other up. My favorite memories from dance come from these long practices, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Smith’s state solo performance was more than a year in the making. She’d been working on the routine since July of 2022.

“I competed with it through United (All-Stars) last spring, and spent all summer (in 2023) perfecting every single movement with the help of my coaches in Omaha — Andrea Feltz and Abigail Quillen — and my coach (at FDSH and through United), Emily Eastwood,” Smith said. “Working on one dance for over a year and a half can get long and tedious, but I always reminded myself of what the end goal was: to make it to finals and have a perfect performance.”

Smith also felt a sense of urgency to perform to the best of her abilities now, even with a year remaining in her high school career.

“(Former Dodger and current Iowa State University team member) Dallas Richardson, someone I’ve looked up to since I was little, mentioned at one of our practices that you only get four chances at this competition,” Smith said. “I took what she said to heart, knowing I only have two left, and just tried to enjoy every moment and give every performance my all.”

The results speak for themselves — Smith joined 2023 FDSH graduate Reese Pederson as the first two Dodgers ever to take Top-10 in a solo dance performance — but Smith also knows there is a bigger picture to her accomplishments.

“I am incredibly proud to represent the community of Fort Dodge, as well as the Dodger dance team,” Smith said. “I wouldn’t have been able to do it without Coach Eastwood, my family, every single one of my teammates, and all of the Fort Dodge dance team alumni. They consistently push me to be the best I can be and constantly believe in me, knowing I can accomplish anything I set my mind to.

“Making school history is an amazing feeling, and I think it’s awesome that I’m paving the way for future Dodger dancers to follow in my footsteps, and achieve more than I ever could.”

Smith is looking forward to one final high school year of practice, preparation and performance.

“My goals are to lead my team in performing to the best of our abilities at state (in 2024), qualify for finals for the third consecutive time, and make the All-Iowa Honor Dance team for the fourth time next year as well,” Smith said. “I hope to be a leader for the program and encourage all of my teammates to be the best dancers they can be.”