For four years now, they have shown up for the early mornings, the long practices, and the competitions that are three hours from home. Somewhere in between of all of that, the duet stopped being just something they performed; it became the piece that tied them together. Addy Kistler and Macie Ruth had never planned on becoming best friends from their one junior high duet, it just happened with time. Now, as they enter their fourth season together, it’s hard to imagine one without the other, whether they’re on the dance floor or simply just hanging out.
Their duet began in 8th grade on the junior high dance team, they chose each because after spending 7th grade growing close through group dances they knew they needed something more. What started as a simple duet quickly became another thread in their friendship they were already building.
“We decided to try something new in 8th grade, and a duet felt like the perfect choice,” Ruth said. “Ever since, it’s pushed us to perform better every year and make it farther at state.”
In their freshman year, they placed 7th in the state in the junior division, which includes both freshmen and sophomores. Last year, as sophomores, they improved to 6th place in the same division. Now, moving up to the senior division, they know how hard they’ll have to work to hold their place at the state level against juniors and seniors.
“It’s a good challenge for us, whether it’s dealing with injuries or changes in team dynamics,” Kistler said. “Every year brings something new, so moving up divisions isn’t something we’re worried about, it just adds to the challenge.”
Ruth and Kistler showcased their duet for the first time this season on January 10th at the 28th Annual Munster Invitational were they placed 6th. They began working on this year’s routine in November, practicing before their regular team rehearsals. Because they’re on different teams, finding time to practice together isn’t easy, but they make it work. Their bond is strong enough that they always find a way to show up for each other.
“Another challenge this year is that we’re on different teams, so our practice schedules are basically opposite,” Kistler said.
After their first competition, they felt proud of their routine but knew they could push themselves further, so they returned to the studio to work harder and better showcase their bond through dance. Just a week later at the Harrison Invitational, their dedication in the studio translated to the floor as they moved up into 4th place for their senior duet.
“But we always make sure to find time to work on our duet to keep our legacy, ” Kistler said.
