The Liberty Belles left on Feb. 12 to travel down to Hilton Orlando in Orlando, Florida for nationals. Nationals was held from Feb. 14-16. This was their eighth time competing at the national level.
Last year the Belles won second place in Medium Varsity Jazz and second place in Medium Varsity Jazz at NDA High School Nationals, which is their highest finish at this level the past eight years.
This year they will be competing in their Small Varsity Jazz, Small Varsity Pom, Medium Varsity Game Day performances throughout these days.
Approximately 3,100 dancers will be representing 31 states and will be competing at the annual National Dance Alliance High School National Championship.
Other Missouri high schools who will also be competing include: Blue Spring, Cameron, Cor Jesu Academy, Fox, Howell Central, Ladue, Mehlville, North Point, Oakville, Park Hill South, Pattonville, Raytown South, Rock Bridge, Seckman, Smithville, Southwest, St. Pius X, St. Theresa’s Academy, Staley, Tolton Catholic, Troy Buchanan, and Ursuline Academy.
Under the coaching of Amanda Miller and LHS alumni Taylor Stewart, the Belles are preparing for their biggest competition of the year.
“The Liberty Belles are as prepared as they can be for such a huge competition,” Miller said. “They’ve worked so hard to become the very best versions of themselves. I can’t wait to see them perform at the national level.”
The team will be letting go of one senior this year, Emily May. This will be her fourth year as a Belle and third time competing at the national level with the team.
“It is definitely bittersweet. I love the Belles, the girls, the program, our coach, everything about it,” May said. “I definitely will miss it so I am just trying to live in the moment.”
Although this is May’s last nationals competition it will be freshman Embree Gruttemeyer’s first.
“It’s scary but It’s exciting, getting to go out and experience it for the first time with my team,” Gruttemeyer said. “I’m excited to go and be with my team but I’m nervous about performing on the stage for the first time.”
With the nerves building inside, Gruttemeyer believes the team is prepared with all the practice they have put into these routines.
“A lot of our practice will translate over, we’ve worked so hard and we’ve applied so many corrections that I feel like we’re ready,” Gruttemeyer said. “I’m looking forward to being with my team for the first experience.”
Wish the Belles the best of luck for Nationals while they dance their best at nationals.
