The Dance Team has consistently mesmerized audiences at assemblies and competitions with their impressive skills and creative choreography.

Through their incredible dedication and hard work, they claimed the National title for the second year in a row, at a championship held in Orlando.

Not only did the team snag first place again, they did it in a larger and tougher class of teams. This year, the team was placed in the Large Varsity Hip-Hop group, a change from the smaller category that the team was formerly competing in. Despite the larger category, the Dance Team was well-prepared for what lay ahead.

“We spent all summer brainstorming and focusing on the little things until finally it all fell into place,” said junior captain Riley O’Rourke. “Being on the Dance Team is really no joke.”

Though the team spends a great deal of time and focus on their routines and moves, they never grow ire of doing what they love.

Since they all share an avid passion for dance, the team enjoys practicing together and feeling the benefits of their efforts in their routines.

“We all want to be there,” said junior Emily Barnes. “We share a passion for dance and we’re really dedicated.”

To reach this level of excellence, the team members are willing to give anything and everything.

They push themselves through three-hour long  practices, four to five times a week. The team is more than willing to sacrifice huge amounts of time from their already strained schedules to work to the very best of their abilities.

“Sometimes I choose between sleep and homework,” said junior Sarah Nolan.

Through their dogged efforts and extreme time commitment, the team has grown inseparable.  Their hard work has caused them to bond with one another through every trial and obstacle.  A family mentality connects the teammates.

“[We’re] crying together, laughing together, sharing the same illnesses…there is nothing like it,” said O’Rourke.

Hard work and incredible routines have earned the dance team much widespread recognition and awe.  At the National tournament, they were flocked by masses of fans and received standing ovations on both nights of their competition. 

“We’re a whole new team, and we’ve worked so hard to earn everything we’ve gotten,” said O’Rourke.  “I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished.”