Just Plain Dance 2026

Just Plain Dance 2026 was a night to remember as more than 100 Plain Local staff members and teachers took the Abbey Foltz stage at GlenOak High School, delivering high energy performances choreographed entirely by GlenOak Level 3 dance students. The event once again highlighted the creativity and school pride that make Plain Local Schools special.

Team Avondale captured the championship title for the second year in a row, earning first place honors. Team Middlebranch followed in second place, while Team Oakwood earned third place and took home the Fan Favorite award for their Wicked themed performance that brought the show to a powerful close.

In addition to the unforgettable performances, the evening served a greater purpose. The event raised more than $20,000, with $17,000 in net proceeds benefiting the Plain Local Schools Foundation and supporting arts programming across. Those funds go directly back into our classrooms to support arts programming across the district.

The success of Just Plain Dance would not be possible without the many students and staff who worked behind the scenes. Level 2 dance students served as ushers throughout the evening, and senior dance student Gracie McKenna volunteered her time capturing photos and video. The event was emceed by Amy Sima Dirham alongside GlenOak senior Drayden Chapman, keeping the energy high from start to finish.

This year’s performances featured teams from across the district, each coached by talented student choreographers:

• Team Avondale, choreographed by Madison Schario and Liran McGuier
• Team Barr, choreographed by Melissa McCormick
• Team Frazer, choreographed by Calley Kraus
• Team Middlebranch, choreographed by Logan Baldwin and Chloe Pimpas
• Team Taft, choreographed by Madyson Byrd and Addison Snyder
• Team Warstler, choreographed by Lydia Hennessy and Morgan Stauffer
• Team Glenwood, choreographed by Sydney Calac
• Team Oakwood, choreographed by Isabella Tilenni and Ludovica Puccini
• Team GlenOak, choreographed by Rachel Talbott
• Team Little Eagles Preschool, choreographed by Riley Calac and Payton Lewers

Special thanks go to David Thompson for event coordination, Jeannene Mathis Bertosa and commercial photography student Michael Murray for capturing the night, and Anthony DePinto and the Theater Technologies students for delivering outstanding lighting, sound, and technical support. Appreciation is also extended to Matt Patron and the GlenOak Video Production team, including students Drayden Chapman, Alex Esway, and Neveah McGuire, for producing the opening video and recording the performances.

Additional thanks to Jennifer Rex and the food service department, Michelle Morehouse, Paula Wilson, Christine McHugh, and Alison Pickering for serving as event bankers, and our GlenOak custodial team for ensuring the building was show ready.

Most importantly, thank you to our families and community members for continuing to support the arts in Plain Local Schools. Just Plain Dance 2026 was a powerful reminder of what happens when creativity, teamwork, and community come together. Enjoy photos from the event below.