The crowd goes wild as the Sandie Steppers enter the stage. Poms waved through the air as they flawlessly hit every move. The Sandie Steppers took over Nationals this year, earning many awards, praise for their performances and most importantly, creating an unbreakable bond throughout the team.
The Steppers competed at ADTS Nationals at the University of North Texas on March 29 , and winning 10 awards. This feat took months of dedication, practice and teamwork from both the team and the coach. The team delivered a strong performance in the small team division, overcoming early setbacks in lyrical. The team redeemed themselves, placing first in both pom and open, secured the second runner-ups in the hip-hop division and first runner up for overall national champion. A very impressive accomplishment considering the competition from across the country.
“This spring marked the highest scores in program history and most successful Nationals to date,” Steppers Coach Kaylee Morrison said. I’m proud of not only their hard work, but their commitment to team culture and the positivity they showed throughout our contest season. It makes me excited already for next year. We have a strong foundation to build on.”
Several teams packed into the stadium with everyone rehearsing their material at once, the ecstatic crowd and the booming music created a chaotic atmosphere. Tension built as competition day approached. Each practice pushed the team closer to perfection while raising the stakes. Every dancer stepped on the floor, carrying both pressure and pride. Every move carried months of preparation, creating a most dazzling performance.
“I can’t lie, I was nervous just because it was my senior year, but the moments right before we perform is a feeling you can never really explain,” senior Ky’lee Tobar. “I know I have done the hard work, and now it’s just time to showcase it with my whole team all around for support.”
As their coach, Morrison, set up an environment in which they were focused on achieving their goals, she also made a great team of close companions. During the highs and the lows, the Sandie Steppers made lifelong friendships with their teammates.
