The dance team is heading into the National Dance Team Championship with the strength of preparation and dedication aiding them. The team went to Nationals last year and ended up placing in the top ten in two categories. This year they strive to accomplish even more this time.
The dance team puts endless hours of effort into their practices and work ethic. In the months leading up to Nationals, the team has met six days a week, night and day, taken timed videos of themselves practicing, ran timed miles and viewed practice films. Their hard work led them along a path of success last year
“I am feeling very excited for Nationals,” senior Lily Blake said. “Our team has worked so hard, day in and day out, and we are so prepared for this. Personally, since it is my last one, it feels bittersweet to go and compete with this team for the last time. I also love that I share this experience with some of my closest friends. We all work so hard and getting to see all the work pay off is so special.”
Along with the rigorous practice schedule and training, the girls are also able to create unique relationships with their team members and become close throughout meets, Nationals and practices. The friendships made within the dance community are lifelong.
“I have made so many new friendships from all grades, and I love knowing I am a part of a second family,” junior Kenadee Pinkerton said. “I will always remember the feeling I had before walking on the national stage and performing our jazz dance last year. So many emotions and thoughts running through my body. It was amazing.”
Nationals is a multiple day event that takes place Feb. 2, 3, and 4 in Orlando, Florida. Though this much anticipated event can be stressful for the girls and coaches alike, it is also an exciting and even bittersweet event for everyone on the team.
“Last year was the first year in Gretna Dance history that all of our dances made it to finals,” coach Missy Cobb said. “We are shooting for those same results. Making finals is a huge accomplishment, as there are so many teams and they are all very talented. We have worked so hard and have taken some risks this year with making sure our dances are more challenging than in years past. The girls have set some goals for themselves at the start of the year and taken all the steps necessary to reach them in Orlando. We can’t wait to show them what Gretna is all about.”