The Rosary Dance Team’s road to Florida nationals

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Taking a picture in front of the ESPN globe is a tradition that every dance team participates in at UDA Florida Nationals. (Photo provided by Julianna Ortiz)

Colleen Schmitt and Julianna Ortiz

The Rosary Academy Dance Team is officially in the final stretch of their season as they approach the UDA Florida Nationals. In Florida, the dance team competes against some of the best teams from all across the country. In order to beat their competition, they have been spending countless hours working to perfect their routines. Now let’s hear from some coaches and captains about their road to Florida.

Dance is a year round sport, so the Dance Team has been preparing for Nationals since last May. Captain of the varsity team, Emma Vasquez ‘23 shared, “Starting our season early is one way we are able to have such amazing routines. One of the best parts of our summer training is UDA camp where we join many other schools in Palm Springs and dance for an entire weekend. If all of our team members receive blue ribbons at the end of camp, the team will qualify for nationals. This year we succeeded!”

This BeReal was taken after Varsity won second place for both of their routines! (Photo Credit: Julianna Ortiz)

Also during the summer, the dance team is scheduled for two separate week-long intensives where they learn all of their choreography for the year. This includes both Varsity and JV’s pom and jazz routines, as well as the combined cheer and dance routines for football games. 

The Rosary Dance Team greatly appreciates when Dr. Pautch comes to their competitions and cheers them on from the bleachers. (Photo provided by Julianna Ortiz)

The Varsity coach Mrs. Burboa shared, “Myself, Coach Nicolet and Coach Katie, are so excited for JV and Varsity dance to take the floor in Orlando, Florida at the National Dance Team Championship next week!!! Our dancers have been working so hard, practicing four days a week before and after school, to prepare for this competition, and as coaches, we could not be more proud of them and all that they have put into this team and their routines! We truly hope they have the most amazing experience and can’t wait to see them just shine on stage!!”

This year is also the first year the JV team will be joining varsity in Florida. JV captain Maya Perez ‘23 shared, “We are super grateful to have the opportunity to compete in Florida. We have been working super hard this year and can’t wait to show it off on stage. Even though it’s a little nerve-wracking going for the first time, we know we will do our best and have fun!”

Here the JV team and their wonderful new coach Katie are preparing to perform their pom routine. (Photo provided by Julianna Ortiz)

Varsity coach Mrs. Godfrey ’13 shared,  “As a coach, I am so pumped for Nationals because this team has an energy that I haven’t seen in a while. They are hungry for success and have worked extremely hard to prove themselves. Our goal is to perform in the finals in front of “the castle.” In the dance world, to perform in front of the castle means you are the best of the best, and I believe our team is at that level. I can’t wait to watch them give it their all!”

The Dance Team has also been competing in local competitions almost every weekend. Both JV and Varsity have been doing great and placing in the top three at almost every competition.

The entire Rosary community wishes the Rosary Dance Team good luck as they continue through their season and kill it in Florida!

After the dance team performs at their competitions, they love watching the other teams perform. (Photo provided by Julianna Ortiz)