In the first week of February, the Southwest Emeralds dance team traveled to Orlando, Florida for Universal Dance Association (UDA) Nationals. The team placed third in the nation for Large Varsity High Kick and 10th in Game Day. 

“We learned our dances for Nationals in May and began practicing them over the summer,” co-captain junior Tate Boesiger said. “In January, we started practicing five days a week with Nationals practices on the weekends. The team was happy with where we finished this year, especially since it was our second year, we were proud of what we put out on the floor.”

In the Large Varsity High Kick division, there were two rounds, semi-finals and finals. In the semi-finals there were 18 teams, and after the first performance it was narrowed to the top nine. The top nine teams then performed again in finals. The Emeralds were ranked third after semi-finals and were able to maintain that spot to finish third overall. 

“As a team this year we got along really well and there was a positive culture,” sophomore Kate Morrison said. “I think everyone is really motivated for Nationals next year because we were only four tenths away from winning this year, so we are hoping to do well again.”

On the last day of the Emeralds trip to Florida, Hollywood Studios was rented out for all the competing teams.

 “They hosted a big after party and let us go crazy on all of the rides,” Boesiger said. The Emeralds were able to end their successful year on a high note.