The San Dimas High School Dance Team closed out their season with an amazing performance at NRG Nationals. As their final competition of the year, the team not only brought their energy and passion but also represented San Dimas in the best way and showcased their school spirit on stage.
The morning of the competition arrived, and the excitement was over the top. The team’s call time was 12 PM at the APU West Campus; however, a few soloists had performed a few hours earlier, so the rest of the team was arriving. These soloists were Lily Sanchez (12th), Natalia Alcantar (11th), Anissa Ghomesi (10th), Bryce Andrews (10th), Emily Garcia (9th), and Vivi Reynoso (9th). As the team arrived, they headed straight to the dressing rooms to set up and begin their routine preparations. The girls started touching up their makeup and hair, and getting into their costumes as they stretched. Focused and ready to take on the competition, the girls warmed up and mentally prepared their routines.
The JV Jazz routine was first, and they performed amazingly. Full of technique, the dancers hit their tricks and turns with precision and truly made their team proud. Next up was Varsity Jazz. Every movement was executed flawlessly, showing how hard they worked on this number. They truly gave it their all for the last and final time this season, setting the tone for what would be an unforgettable day to end their season.
Next up was Varsity Trio. These three girls, Victoria Contreras (12th), Farrah Carrey (12th), and Mia Guerrero (12th), really showed our high-level Varsity Girls. These three danced together for the last time and made their coaches and team so proud of the dance they choreographed.
Then it was all team Hiphop. This was a crowd favorite and really showed the chill vibes the dance team gives off. Full of movement, the team danced great together, showing that Bruno Mars vibe that was choreographed in. With all these quick changes, the girls had a break while the solo awards were going on. Big congrats to Natalia Alcantar (11th) for placing first and Anissa Ghomeshi (10th) for placing second in her category! Jocelyn Ruelas (11th) said, “I’m so proud of Natalia. Watching her dance this solo this season has been my favorite thing, and I can’t wait to see what she brings to the floor next year!”
Following team Hiphop was Varsity Contemp next! This is always a high-scoring number at competitions. The girls hit their turns and their complex tricks. They made their team so proud and truly let the crowd feel the emotion. Then came Varsity’s Pom; a very important number for this team. Full of hard tricks and a difficult turn sequence, this performance by these girls brought excitement back to the crowd. Janiya Jones (10th) stated, “This was our best pom run ever!!! I loved performing this number with this team, and can’t wait to do it again next year.”
Next up was the JV Pom routine. These girls didn’t just perform, they showed what they have been working on all season! With a mix of technique and facials, the JV team delivered what their coaches called the strongest performance of the season! It was clear these dancers had grown over the season, showing their hard work and dedication to the team. The fast pace of the competition meant there were barely any breaks between numbers; however, even with the quick changes, the team still worked together, stayed energized, and focused on bringing home the win.
Soon after was JV’s most important number of the whole comp, their “Newsies” dance. Filled with fun props and music, these girls showcased their musicality and love for dance while demonstrating how bonded they were as a team. Their coaches and Varsity teammates watched proudly from the sidelines, cheering them on. “This was the best I’ve ever seen them do it!” said Jessica Liu (12th).
The final routine of the day, and of the entire season, was Georgia. This title-winning number had won at many comps throughout the SD Dance 25-26 season and had become a reminder of everything the team had achieved. Ready to finish the day off with a bang, the Varsity team took the floor filled with nervousness that soon turned to excitement. As they completed this dance for the very last time together as a team, you could individually see the mix of emotion and passion they had for dance and for each other. Their facials and movements fueled by memories of the season, inside jokes, wins, and the late nights spent perfecting every detail really wrapped up their whole dance season into a 2-minute dance. Together they danced with unity and left everything on that stage.
Every dancer on the SD team poured their heart into their performances that day, fueled by the passion and bond they shared. Through countless practices, early mornings, and late nights, they were able to tell a story. A story full of what hard work, growth, and friendships bring you during a dance season. The dancers weren’t just proud of their dancing that day; they were proud of the unbreakable bond they had built as a whole. As they proudly wore “Saints” on their uniforms, they not only brought wins but also represented San Dimas High School with what they’re known best for: unity with one another. Natalia Alcantar said, “This competition was the best way to end a wonderful season!
The San Dimas Dance Team’s performance at NRG Nationals was the perfect way to close out their season. But not only did they bring home a trophy that day, but they also brought back memories and a connection that would stay with them forever. As they celebrated their win, they knew they had done something truly special. They had made their mark not just on the stage but on each other’s hearts, leaving a legacy for the years to come. Until next year, SD Dance. What a season it’s been.
