Sparklers

2018 UDA National Dance Competition

The St. Thomas More Sparklers competed in the Universal Dance Association (UDA) National Dance Team Championship in Orlando, Florida in February. The Sparklers won the National Championship title with a first place finish in medium varsity pom, and second place in medium varsity jazz earning two spots on ESPN in April.

The competition is the largest and most prestigious dance team competition in the country, featuring more than 500 performances, 300 teams and performers from 35 states.

The Sparklers have held a UDA National Championship title 21 times in 29 years, with 14 of those years in the pom category.

The 2017 - 2018 sixteen-member team includes Hannah Usie (Captain), Ashton Weber (Co-Captain), Joei Jacob, Lillie Brauns, Abby Barras, Marley Blanchard, Lauren Domingue, Annie Fruge, Camryn Guarino, Seton Hulin, Ava Hyde, Elle John, Taylor Montz, Lia Shivers, Sophie Stockstill, and Maddy Strother.

The team is coached by former Sparklers Jenny Harris Matthews '95 and Kelly Gilespie '09.

2017 Summer Camp Accomplishments

The St. Thomas More Sparklers, reigning Universal Dance Association (UDA) National Medium Varsity Pom and Jazz Champions, attended UDA Convention Camp in New Orleans this summer. The Sparklers competed with their home routine and won first place in medium varsity, which qualified them to compete at UDA Nationals in February at the ESPN Center in Orlando, Florida. The team also received a superior trophy for their overall performances and the spirit stick each day.

Sophomore, Annie Fruge won first place in drill downs and senior Lillie Brauns was runner up. Ashton Weber, Lia Shivers and Elle John received the Pin it Forward award which is a leadership, spirit, commitment, kindness and motivation award. Junior Abby Barras and seniors Hannah Usie, Ashton Weber, Joie Jacob and Lillie Brauns were named UDA All American and all seniors were invited to audition for UDA staff. The 16 member team is coached by former Sparklers Jenny Matthews ’95 and Kelly Gilespie ’09.

State Dance Awards

State Pom Champions: 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18

National Dance Awards

UDA National Pom Champions: 94, 95, 00, 01, 02, 05, 06, 08, 09, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18
UDA National Jazz Champions: 94, 95, 96, 97, 00, 05, 17
UDA National Pom Runners-Up: 98, 03, 04, 07, 10, 11, 14
UDA National Jazz Runners-Up: 93, 01, 03, 07, 08, 09, 16, 18
UDA National Pom Third Place: 96, 99
UDA National Jazz Third Place: 91, 92, 98, 99, 02, 06,10, 13, 15
UDA National Pom Fourth Place: 13
UDA National Jazz Fourth Place: 04, 11, 14
UDA National Pom Fifth Place: 97
UDA National Jazz Fifth Place: 12