Over the weekend of Feb. 5-9, the Green Hope dance team traveled to Orlando, Florida, to compete in the Universal Dance Association (UDA) National Dance Team Championship at Walt Disney World. Over the course of the weekend, they performed two routines: Pom, which consists of energetic and upbeat movements and Hip-Hop, which consists of strong and sharper movements. The team had spent months preparing the two dances alongside their regularly scheduled game performances and clinics.  

The UDA is part of a larger network of competitions for dance, cheer and band organized by Varsity Spirit. Within UDA, teams can compete in four different dance styles: Pom, Hip Hop, Jazz and Game Day. Teams also have the opportunity to perform routines alongside their school’s cheer teams or marching band and color guard groups. The UDA championship offers two competition levels: Varsity and Intermediate. The Green Hope dance team performed at the intermediate level. Although they did not make it to finals, they achieved the highest placement that Green Hope High School has ever earned at a national competition.

While not performing, the team spent time together in the Disney parks.From Main Street U.S.A in The Magic Kingdom to Sunset Boulevard at Hollywood Studios the team had an all around unforgettable trip. Kaylee Winans (27’) noted that “the entire experience was incredible. From performing on a national stage to spending time with my teammates and enjoying the parks together, it was truly an unforgettable and magical trip”. As soon as the team came back home, it was off to planning for next year, which is on track to be just as unforgettable.