Sparklers

2020 UDA National Dance Competition

The St. Thomas More Sparklers competed in the Universal Dance Association (UDA) National Dance Team Championship in Orlando, Florida and received a double National Championship title in medium varsity pom and jazz earning two spots on ESPN in March.

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 23 times in 30 years, with 15 of those years in the pom category.

The 2019 - 2020 team includes Lia Shivers (Captain), Marley Blanchard, Taylor Montz, Elle John, Lauren Domingue, Elizabeth Beaullieu, Annie Fruge', Sarah Gallagher, Miya LeBlanc, Kimmy Musumeche, Avery Pesson, Caroline Ramon, Sophie Stockstill and Maddy Strother

The team is coached by former Sparklers Jenny Harris Matthews '95 and Kelly Gilespie Degraauw '09 and Heidi Reed serves as the moderator.

State Dance Awards

State Pom Champions: 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20

National Dance Awards

UDA National Pom Champions: 94, 95, 00, 01, 02, 05, 06, 08, 09, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20
UDA National Jazz Champions: 94, 95, 96, 97, 00, 05, 17, 20
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, 19
UDA National Pom Third Place: 96, 99, 19
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