Several area high school and collegiate dancers have been preparing for the upcoming competition season, this year, with a big anniversary. Executive Director of the Iowa State Dance and Drill Team Association Andrea Dana says dance has been officially sanctioned by the organization for 50 years now. Dana says their group is celebrating with special performances coming up at the state dance competition in December. Before that event, multiple sites in Pella and Newton will host the JV Championships and State Solo Qualifiers October 23rd and 24th, featuring high school competitors from around the state. Read more about the organization at KNIAKRLS.com and hear more about the Iowa State Dance and Drill Team Association on this weekend’s In Touch with South Central Iowa.