Carlsbad High School’s varsity dance team, the Lancer Dancers, took home a first place title at this year’s Universal Dance Association (UDA) National Dance Team Competition in the hip hop category. The event took place at Disney World’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida, Feb. 3-5, with several hundred of the nation’s top high school dance teams participating in the largest and most prestigious dance competition in the country.
“This was a huge win for us,” said Coach and former alum Laura Nares. “To win a title this year required a lot of extra effort and discipline having lost eight amazing seniors from last year’s squad. Over half of our team is new, which is a testament to how well the captains rose to the challenge of building a cohesive, unified team. We also had an injury sideline our only senior so we had to make some late adjustments to choreography and have an alternate step in and learn both routines.”
For the official word from the dance team, please follow the jump.
Carlsbad Varsity Lancer Dancers Win Big at Nationals
Carlsbad High School’s varsity dance team, the Lancer Dancers, took home a first place title at this year’s Universal Dance Association (UDA) National Dance Team Competition in the hip hop category. The event took place at Disney World’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida, Feb. 3-5, with several hundred of the nation’s top high school dance teams participating in the largest and most prestigious dance competition in the country.
Known for their high-energy, intensity and intricate choreography, the Lancer Dancers now hold 12 national titles in the hip hop and jazz categories and a world title. The squad placed first place last year in the hip hop category at the United Spirit Association (USA) National Competition in Anaheim but haven’t won a first place title at UDA since 2012.
“This was a huge win for us,” said Coach and former alum Laura Nares. “To win a title this year required a lot of extra effort and discipline having lost eight amazing seniors from last year’s squad. Over half of our team is new, which is a testament to how well the captains rose to the challenge of building a cohesive, unified team. We also had an injury sideline our only senior so we had to make some late adjustments to choreography and have an alternate step in and learn both routines.”
The team also has an amazing jazz routine record and placed third in the nation at this year’s competition keeping with their top three placement from last year. The top five teams’ routines from this year’s competition will be aired on ESPN sometime this spring.
This year’s competition theme for the girls was “look like a beauty, dance like a beast,” referencing Disney’s Beauty and the Beast movie. “The girls certainly lived up to this expectation,” says Jen Cervantes, Booster Club President. “They left it all out there on the floor and we couldn’t be prouder. Their performances were intense, powerful and flawless.”
The squad is comprised of an elite group of 15 dancers selected each year through a rigorous try-out and screening process. The Lancer Dancer tradition is built on school spirit and hard work, in academics as well as dance.
The Lancer Dancers perform at home games for varsity football and basketball, and also dance at their annual showcase for students, families and members of the community. The team takes pride in supporting several community events through the year, with specially choreographed dance routines and a positive team spirit. They also hold summer dance camp and fall dance classes for kids ages 5 and up.
For more information, visit www.lancerdancers.com or send an email to VarsityLancerDancers@gmail.com
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