After months of practicing, the dance team flew to sunny Florida to compete at the Universal Dance Association National Dance Team Championship. This prestigious competition attracts the best high school dance teams from across the country. After a challenging journey through prelims and semi-finals, the dance team placed fourth in hip hop finals.

“When we were announced fourth in the nation, I was very excited,” junior Halley Taylor said. “I felt this way because we have worked so, extremely hard this year, and placing fourth in a new division, especially since it is one of the hardest, was great. We rose to the challenge and achieved our goals.”

The team has made a name for themselves at the competition, competing there for over ten years. In 2013, the team made history by advancing to finals for the first time ever. The legacy has continued over the past eight years as the team continues to make finals, placing in the top 5 for the last three years. As the team continues to reach new accomplishments, the alumni support stays strong.

“It makes me so happy for the team and coaches to see them become more and more successful over the years,” alumni Shelby Pecoraro said. “When we made finals for the first time, it was one of the best feelings in the world. We knew that all of our hard work had paid off and we were so proud of ourselves for reaching our goal. It also made us work harder for the years to come because once you make finals, you never want to lose that feeling.”

The final competition of the season is the Missouri Dance Team Association State Championship on February 29, 2020. Although earning a high placement is a priority, competing as a team for one final time is also valued.

“I am excited to compete one last time because we have put so much work in this year,” captain Olivia Hartman said. “I obviously want us to place well, but the important thing to remember is the feeling walking off the floor, because that will stay with us forever.”