On February 16, the Highlands High School dance team was awarded National Champions at the National Dance Association (NDA) competition in Orlando, Florida in pom and second place in hip-hop. The dance team made Highlands history with this outstanding achievement.
As the countdown to nationals began, the Highlands High School dance team worked harder than ever.
Every practice, routine, and move counted as they got closer to the big day.
The dance team competes in local competitions and performs for their community at various sporting events, including football and basketball games. Despite being repeatedly underestimated over the past two years, the varsity dance team has demonstrated grit and dedication.
They hired their new coach, Ashley Wrobleski, in 2022. A former Kentucky dancer and UDA instructor, she has danced for the Chicago Bulls and cheered for the Cincinnati Bengals. She will be starting her third year at Highlands this summer.
In preparation for nationals, they went to state and placed first in both divisions.
This was an exciting day for the Bluebirds, as last year at state they finished second in pom and fourth in hip-hop.
“We’ve embraced our role as an underdog over the past years, which has fueled determination and resilience,” Wrobleski said.
As nationals approached, the dance team followed a well-structured practice routine designed to focus on specific sections of one of the dances. Each practice included stretching, a ballet warm-up, detailed routine drills, and dancers reviewing films afterward to improve each individual’s skills.
“Focusing during practices and making the most of our time together is important. We have also been matching at practices to create a more uniform look and appear cleaner,” Ella Cunningham (12) said.
The team prepared for the competition by carefully mapping the national floor, ensuring precision in spacing and formations. Throughout the year, their performances helped build their confidence for the national event. To promote a strong team dynamic, practices began with affirmation circles to encourage one another. Wrobleski organized fun Friday practices to keep the dancers motivated, including team bonding activities, such as bringing in old dance costumes or hosting “Cookie Fridays”.
“At the start of each practice, we hold affirmation circles to encourage one another and build confidence and trust within the team,” Dancer Meredith Kleier (11) said.
The Highlands Varsity dance team headed to Orlando, Florida, on February 13. While there, they competed in medium pom against 40 different teams and large hip-hop against 15 teams nationwide.
“I’m excited to spend the week with my teammates and share the experience of performing together one last time as a complete team especially since this is my first year at nationals,” Drew Ellison (9) said.
On the first day of nationals, the bluebirds performed their pom routine for prelims which scored so well that they skipped the semi-finals and went straight to finals. The following day they took the floor for their hip-hop routine, bringing energy and powerful choreography. Their hard work and commitment paid off as they won first place in pom, becoming national champions, and secured second place in hip-hop.
“I am incredibly proud of this team. We have worked so hard all year, maintaining an open mindset, knowing that none of our accomplishments would be given. Through commitment, consistency, and teamwork, we gave our absolute best performance—and it paid off,” Elise Hellmann (11) said.
As the season comes to an end, the team celebrates its success at Nationals while also preparing to say goodbye to five graduating seniors. Their leadership, dedication, and talent have played a key role in the team’s success, making their goodbye bittersweet for both teammates and coaches.
“Dance has taught me the power of teamwork, knowing when to lead, follow, and collaborate. It’s also shown me the value of adaptability, helping me adjust to challenges both on stage and in life,” Cunningham said.
The dance team showcases their dedication and passion through intense training and outstanding performances. Beyond competing, the dancers form strong bonds, creating a supportive team environment. With tryouts approaching in the spring, the team looks to welcome new talent and continue its legacy as they prepare for the next season.
“If I had to sum up the team in one word, it would be dynamic—an unstoppable force of talent, teamwork, and determination,” Wrobleski said.
