Sparklers

2019 UDA National Dance Competition

The St. Thomas More Sparklers competed in the Universal Dance Association (UDA) National Dance Team Championship in Orlando, Florida and placed second in small varsity jazz and third in small varsity pom 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 30 years, with 14 of those years in the pom category.

The 2018 - 2019 team includes Abbygail Barras (captain), Lia Shivers, (co-captain), Elizabeth Beaullieu, Marley Blanchard, Lauren Domingue, Annie Fruge, Sarah Gallagher, Ava Hyde, Elle John, Taylor Montz, Kempton Moody, Kimmy Musumeche, 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.

2018 Summer Camp Accomplishments

The St. Thomas More Sparklers, 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, super spirit stick and spirit sticks each day.

Sophomore, Ava Hyde placed 3rd in drill downs overall and the team won the team drill down award. Marley Blanchard received the Pin it Forward award which is a leadership, spirit, commitment, kindness and motivation award. Senior Abby Barras and juniors Lia Shivers, Marley Blanchard, Elle John and Taylor Montz were named UDA All American. The 14 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, 19

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, 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