On Saturday, February 15th, the SD Dance Team went to Glendale High School to compete in the annual “WCE Regionals” showcasing their solos and team dances, as they competed against some of the best teams in the region; moreover, securing their spot for the upcoming nationals.

This exciting but long competition started at 7am, but their team had to get there at 6:00 am, to set down their stuff in the locker rooms and get settled to watch their solos. Janiya Jones (9th) was the first solo of the day to go up, followed by Ava Valdivia (9th), then Bryce Andrews (9th), then Amara Padilla (10th), followed by Bella Leon (10th), then Camila Martinez (10th), Miah Vargas (11th), Victoria Contreras (11th), Lily Sanchez (11th), Tess Mcdonald (11th), Farrah Carrey (11th), Chloe Yen (12th), and lastly Lilly Mendez (12th).

After all the solos, they had a small break before they changed and went to the warm-up room to run their hip-hop routine. Watching all the teams rehearse made them a little nervous but also excited to perform. Today was the day they had been preparing for all year and the stakes were higher than ever. They all knew they were ready and just had to focus on the routine. So, after running hip-hop, they ran their production (pirates) a few times before going out to complete their hip-hop! The hip-hop went great, they really showcased their talent and dedication, it couldn’t have gone better!

Right after hip-hop was their small contemporary dance. This beautiful dance was choreographed by Alumni “Sofia Perez”, and the dancers were so excited to perform this. However, there were lots of teams in this category, so the stakes were high. They went out on stage and did an amazing job, as they usually do, and were excited to see the results they get.

Not long after the contemporary was their pirate’s routine. This was the routine they were most nervous for. There were a few quick changes that not all of us had mastered yet; therefore, making this the most nerve-wracking routine. They got changed into their pirate costumes and ran all the last-minute changes and parts. As they got in their circle for their pep talk, Coach Brooke said, “No matter what happens out their girls, I am so proud of you no matter what!” She gave them words of encouragement, which gave them confidence in their performance. They went out and performed the routine they had been working on for months now, and no major mistakes happened! Everyone nailed the quick costume change, and the use of props, it was an amazing performance that left the audience in awe.

After the small break the team took, their JV team got ready for JV jazz. Their hardworking JV team has worked on this routine since summer, and it all comes down to regionals. The girls were pumped, excited, and ready to perform. They did an amazing job, and in the coach’s eyes, it was the best time they’ve ever done it! This really set the vibes for JV and motivated them to work even harder for their upcoming pom routine!

Their JV did an amazing job at the comp, because not long after was their JV Pom time! The girls ran the dance a few times, and stretched to ensure they could perform the best they could. Even after watching their competitors, they were ready and determined to give it their all.

As they went on stage, and did what they do best, Varsity and their coaches couldn’t have been prouder of them.

By then it was late afternoon, and all the girls were tired. However, they pushed aside their exhaustion and pushed through by re-stretching and re-running the routine. With 3 girls missing from Varsity because of injuries, they had a girl from JV (Ava Valdivia 9th) fill in one of the spots. This was extra pressure put on Ava, for she just learned this routine not long ago, and had already performed 4 times that day. However, she went out there with the team and gave it her best and made not only Varsity but JV and the coaches so proud of her, they know they can always count on Ava to step up and do her best as she always does!

It was now around 6 pm, and although it was a long day, and they were all exhausted; however, what had started as a physically draining experience turned into a moment of genuine bonding. They realized that no matter what place they finished in, at the end of the day, they would always have each other. Sitting together, wrapped in blankets and sleep-deprived, might sound like a rough experience, but it actually turned out to be incredibly wholesome. They spent time on the bleachers, watching other teams rehearse, chatting about random things with each other in a circle, and just enjoying the little moments together. It might sound small; however, it was an incredibly special time when they grew even closer, and for some of the girls, it became a small but special moment they’ll always remember.

One of the last routines of the whole competition was the Var Pom. This routine was rough because it was late into the night, the girls were tired, cold, and hungry. However, the girls realized they were so close and knew this is what they have been working towards all season, this very moment! They re-blocked their routine and added Kacey Robanus (9th) another girl from JV, who stepped up and learned the Pom number to help her team! This routine was not only fast and super complex, but there were lots of formation changes and moves she had to remember, but Varsity had full trust in her. As they went out on stage, Coach Brooke was quite worried for some very complex parts of the dance, however, once again the girls proved themselves, and showed how hard they worked all season.

After they finished up the last few routines, it was now time for awards They had competed in one of the hardest competitions in the state, but their hard work had paid off. It wasn’t just about the trophies or the titles—it was about the journey they had taken together.

As they got their awards, even though it was a tough competition with countless crazy good teams, they got first in pirates, JV jazz, and JV Pom! They took the feedback the judges had left for them and are eager for the next competition where they can apply these corrections and do even better than the time before! The team gathered for one final hug, happily knowing they had earned their place for nationals. They left Glendale High that evening exhausted but elated, ready to take on the next challenge — WCE nationals! And they knew, no matter what happened that day, they had already achieved something more priceless than a trophy or medal, a special unbreakable bond with each and every girl! It had been an unforgettable day, and it was only the beginning. Until nationals!