Article by Phoenix writer Grace Andino ’25:
Over the February Break, Kellenberg’s Varsity Dance Team traveled down to Orlando, Florida on Wednesday, February 12 to compete in the NDA (National Dance Alliance) High School National Competition from February 13 to February 17. The team made it to finals in all of their dances, and finished with 9th in Hip Hop, 11th in Team, 15th in Pom and 27th in Jazz.
The 2024-2025 Varsity team was the first team to have athletes from all academic grades. From late-night practices to hours of choreograph cleaning, the girls have been working tirelessly since September to perfect their Nationals routines. Yet once they stepped onto the NDA stage, the girls’ months of dedication was exuded in their two minutes on stage through their powerful kicks, precise moves and passionate faces.
After taking the national stage for the first time, Junior Brianna Duroseau shares that nationals was an overall thrilling experience, “It was amazing to share the passion of dance with teams from all over the country.”
The team had six seniors this year. Senior Payton Saunders, a member of Kellenberg’s dance program for four years, shares, “It was a surreal feeling. Being on stage and surrounded by the bright lights and people from around the country gave me comfort and an eagerness that no other feeling can replicate.”
Kellenberg is extremely proud of the commitment by the dance coaches and athletes this year, and can’t wait to see what this flourishing program has in store.
