The dance team took home third place in the medium varsity jazz division at ESPN Wide World of Sports’ UDA Regionals on Monday. Not only did the team perform as a group, but senior Hope Dougherty, along with juniors Jessie Shaw and Alexis Whitworth, all competed solo pieces. Varsity jazz was only half a point away from earning the second-place title.

“The team and I felt like it was the best time we ever hit our dance,” freshman Bella Stazzone said. “We had never done it that well before.”

Shaw, who was dancing on a hurt foot, placed fourth in the teen solo division and received an overall score of an 88.89. When the time comes to compete on the national stage, she hopes to score higher and improve on her technique.

“I was very happy with how I did, considering I had never done a solo before, Shaw said. “For being injured, I think I did pretty well.”

Although Stazzone and Shaw were both worn out after competing with Dance Mania Allstars that day as well, they were optimistic and happy with the outcome of the competition.

“I never got to see Hope perform her solo at regionals, but I got to see her practice, and she is just so elegant and clean with beautiful lines,” Stazzone said. “Jessie is an amazing dancer and hits everything with very nice technique and projection. I love watching Alexis dance because she has so much control and great technique.”

By Macie Goldfarb