Pine-Richland dance team qualifies for UDA nationals

All 14 members of the 2022-2023 Pine-Richland High School Dance Team participated in the Universal Dance Association Home Technique Summer Camp from July 12-14 at PRHS, where they received several awards and qualified for the UDA National Competition in February.

The team received a Blue Ribbon and Superior rating, the highest honor, for their Home Team routine, which qualifies the team for the UDA Nationals in Orlando, Fla., Feb. 3-5, 2023.

Senior captains Elizabeth Nielsen and Olivia Roccia both earned the UDA Varsity Spirit All-American Award for excellence in the All-American Dance Competition. They are invited to perform in the Varsity Spirit Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade in Honolulu, Hawaii, in December; the Orlando Thanksgiving Tour in November; and London’s New Year’s Day Parade.

All team members received Blue Ribbons for two new pom and kick routines that were taught and performed at camp.

The team and coach Kathy Deal received the Squad Credentialing Award, presented in recognition of active participation in and completion of the Varsity Spirit Summer Camp Dance Squad Credentialing Course for school dance teams. This was developed in conjunction with the National Federation of State High School Associations and provides leadership training, safety awareness, proper technique and progressions, as well as specialized training in the five traditional roles of a spirit leader, ambassador, athlete, performer, role model and spirit raiser.

During camp, the girls learned innovative choreography, attended daily technique classes, participated in team-building activities and were judged on their Home Team competition routine. Two certified Universal Dance Association instructors worked with the team.