The 2014-2015 Royalette Dance Team from Bishop O'Connell High School brought home top honors from the Universal Dance Association Camp at the University of Maryland - Baltimore County held earlier this month.
This O'Connell squad finished in first place with their home routine, receiving a blue ribbon evaluation and qualifying for the National Dance Team Championship in February in Orlando, Fla., which is televised by ESPN.
The team also received a Superior trophy as one of the top averaging teams based on individual team member evaluations. Each girl performed two routines and all received blue ribbons.
The Royalettes were awarded the Team Drill Down Award, receiving the highest team average in ribbon accumulation from daily camp drills. On the final day of camp, members of the team competed in the final drill down competition. Out of 100 dancers, the Royalette Dance Team had six members left in the top 20, three left in the top ten, and two left in the top five. Maris Ratliff '16 finished in second place and Madison Rubley '16 took home the Drill Down Championship.
All-Americans recognition was awarded to Tarah Fisher '15, Bridget Heppes '16, Maris Ratliff '16 and Madison Rubley '16. These members were invited to perform in the New Year's Day Parade in London, England.
Officers of the team were invited to perform in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, and the entire team has also been invited to perform during the halftime show of the Capital One Bowl.
In addition, the Royalettes were awarded the Leadership Award, an honor voted on by other teams to recognize demonstrated leadership and good sportsmanship throughout the week.
For more information on the Royalette Dance Team, visit their web page at www.bishopoconnell.org/dance.
Pictured: Coaches Chrissy Salvador '95 (back row, far left) and Kelsey Timmerberg '04
(back row, far right) join the members of the 2014-2015 Royalette Dance Team for a photo with their awards from camp.
