Hart Dance Team went to Florida for Contest of Champions Nationals from February 26 to March 2. The team spent two out of their five days in Florida performing and spent the other three days doing team activities such as going to Disney World and Universal Orlando. At nationals, they performed eight different dance numbers from a range of styles including jazz, lyrical, contemporary and hip hop. The team won first overall champions for their medium jazz dance and placed in the top three for most of their small group dances, as well as their big group dances. This year, Hart Dance Team chose to only perform group dances at this competition: no solos, duets or trios. 

Additionally, the dancers look at competitions as memories as a part of the team. They look forward to competitions not only to dance, but to spend quality time with each other and their coaches. Moreover, the dancers get to go to places they don’t usually go when they are home in Santa Clarita.

“Getting to be in another state with my best friends and getting to explore Disney World and Universal Studios was by far my favorite part of being in Florida,” said dance team captain Hailey Paolillo.

Not only does the sport itself make competitions like this memorable for the girls, but the idea of traveling as a team is something that most of the girls cherish forever. This year was the last time the graduating seniors got to travel to Florida as a member of Hart Dance Team.

“As a senior, overall traveling and performing with this team is something I’m going to miss the most about these competitions out of town,” Paolillo said.