The Shawnee Mission West dance team is going to the NDA (National Dance Association) National Competition for the first time ever. The team will be traveling to Orlando, Florida, on Wednesday, February 24, for their six day trip. During the weekend, dance teams from all over the country will compete to see who will hold the national title in each category of dance.

The competition lasts 3 days from very early in the morning to very late at night. During the weekend, dance teams from all over the country will compete to see who will hold the national title in each category of dance. After watching all the performances, judges at the event will choose the top ten teams in each category. Then, each team from the top ten performs for a second time. The judges rescore the dances and finally rank the top teams. The winning team receives a national title.

Over two years ago, the dance team received two new coaches who had past experience in the dance team world. For the first couple years they worked with the team and helped them become stronger and better. This year, they decided to take the team to compete at a higher level.

All year long, the team has been practicing its routine each day before school and during first block. On top of these daily practices, the team has technique classes on Thursdays after school and a special Nationals practice on Thursday nights.

“We have put a lot of effort into this one competition, and I am really excited to see how it all turns out. The best part will probably be just getting to spend a lot of time with my best friends doing what we love,” said varsity dance team member Chloe Schade.

This Saturday, February 20, there will be a Nationals send-off event in the auxiliary gym from 2-4 p.m. The team will be performing the three dances that they are taking to the national competition. The event is free to all.