Area teams are preparing to compete in the 2015 Iowa State Dance & Drill Team Association State Championships this week.

The event will take place Thursday and Friday at Wells Fargo Arena and Hy-Vee Hall in Des Moines.

Teams are judged in a variety of categories on appearance, choreography, execution, technique, and showmanship. Knoxville Dance Team Coach Heidi Feldman says teams will each be given ratings from Division I to Division III and trophy placements will be presented to those teams with the highest point totals. She adds teams are also recognized for academics, community service, and sportsmanship.

On Thursday, area schools competing include Pleasantville, PCM, Twin Cedars, and Melcher-Dallas, while Friday will see Knoxville and Pella compete along with the Pleasantville color guard.

For more information on the 2015 ISDTA State Dance and Drill Team Championships and for a complete schedule of the two day competition, click here.