Peekskill High School’s dance team lit up the auditorium Friday, Jan. 23, hosting the Battle of the Squads dance competition and finishing second overall in front of a packed, energetic home crowd.
The Red Devils competed against Keio Academy, Nyack High School, Alexander Hamilton High School and Clarkstown North High School. Keio Academy took first place, while Clarkstown North finished third. Trophies were presented to the winning teams by Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education Dr. Eudes Budhai and Principal Jenna Ferris.
The event marked the first time since 2021 that Peekskill hosted the competition, which celebrates school spirit, teamwork, and creativity while showcasing the talent and dedication of dance teams across Section 1.
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Peekskill Athletic Director Austin Goldberg gives opening remarks.
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Peekskill dance team hypes up the home crowd.
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Alexander Hamilton dance team takes the stage.
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Clarkstown North dances on stage.
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Keio Academy competes.
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Peekskill’s dance team performs.
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Keio Academy earned first place at Battle of the Squads.
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Keio Academy earned first place at Battle of the Squads.
“The competition was intense and the dancing was incredible, but what stood out most was the atmosphere in the auditorium,” said Peekskill dance coach Patricia Johnson when reached by the Peekskill Herald.
She added,“The inclusiveness, the empowerment, and the way every team cheered each other on was truly beautiful to witness. I’m incredibly proud of my team for stepping up and bringing that energy to the stage. We represented Peekskill with pride and class!”
Johnson has played a pivotal role in elevating dance at Peekskill High School. Traditional gym classes are no longer the only option for earning a physical education credit, as students can now enroll in innovative dance courses led by Johnson that blend fitness with creativity. She teaches both traditional dance and musical theater dance classes during the school day.
Outside of class hours, Johnson coaches Peekskill’s audition-only dance team, which operates much like a varsity sport, with tryouts, cuts, and regular practices. While her for-credit classes are open to all students, the team is reserved for her most dedicated dancers. (The Herald previously profiled Johnson in 2025. Read here.)
Following the awards ceremony, Peekskill Athletic Director Austin Goldberg said the school plans to welcome teams back next year, hinting that the Battle of the Squads could become an annual event.
