On Saturday, Jan. 6, from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., the Emeralds dance team had practice with the UNL Husker Scarlet dance team. The Scarlets watched the Emeralds’ national routine and gave feedback about their performance. 

“They (Scarlets) showed us how team criticism works and how coming together as a team can impact you and your successes,” junior Liliana Ware said. “They helped us with our faces and how to share the story of the piece. They taught us that to be successful you have to be sharp and intentional.”

Last year, at UDA Nationals in Orlando, Florida, the Emeralds took home third place in Class A Large Kick. This was their first year participating at Nationals.

“Our first year going was definitely really eye opening because the competition there is a lot bigger than at state,” senior Haylee Schlender said. “It was really fun to experience getting to be in Orlando with all my best friends. Getting third was an amazing feeling.”

The Emeralds will be competing again this year at Nationals from Feb. 2 – 4 in Orlando, Florida.