Sapphire Dance Team places tenth at national competition

The Clover High School Sapphire Dance Team placed 10th in the nation at the Contest of Champions Championship at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. The competition, held from February 28 to March 2, brought together top teams from across the country to showcase their skills at the national level.
The team competed in the Small Pom, Small Contemporary, and Small Hip-Hop categories and secured a 10th-place finish in the Small Group Division based on their combined scores. The competition also featured other dance styles such as lyrical and jazz, organized by team size and age level. In addition to team events, the competition hosted solo, duet, and trio performances.
This year marks the team’s first-ever appearance at a national championship, a significant milestone for the program that was founded just three years ago. Coach Janet Stewart reflected on the experience, noting that “we’ve been strategically building our skills and experience to reach this level.” The team’s decision to enter as an independent competitor allowed them to gain national exposure without needing a prerequisite, “providing a more accessible entry into this competitive arena.”
Team captain Nathan Bowen emphasized the dedication and hard work that led to this achievement. When discussing the team’s preparation for the competition, he reported, “On the endurance and stamina side, we have morning practice twice a week from 7:30 to 8:50, where we do conditioning and all that stuff. And then we have real practice on Tuesdays, every Tuesday till 6:30, where we just run the dances over and over and over again.”
The team’s exciting accomplishments brought pride and joy to the team. Bowen described this moment, “Honestly, after that last performance, we were all crying, and we’re just hugging each other. And it was just so magical. We all felt so accomplished even if something may have went wrong on stage. Like, we really didn’t get down about it because that was our last moment together, and we just left it all out there.” Bowen emphasized the lifelong memories the dance team brings its members. “You meet the most amazing people. You create these bonds that you’ll never forget.”
Looking ahead, Clover High School is launching a JV Sapphire Dance Team, creating new opportunities for aspiring dancers. Coach Stewart told the Roaring Eagle, “We hope our journey inspires others to realize that it’s never too late to chase their dreams. With unwavering passion and a strong work ethic, any goal is within reach.”