LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) – So you think you can dance? Well, the Barbe Bluebelles sure can, as they came home with a bronze medal in back-to-back years in the high kick category of the National Dance Team Championship at Walt Disney World Resort.
“This year it was just so nice to get that medal again, of course we did the typical Olympic bite the medal at the end and so it just feels so good because you do feel like the hard work you put into it did pay off in the end,” said Bluebelles head coach Deidra Fitzgerald.
The Bluebelles practiced six, sometimes seven days a week, with countless hours dedicated to perfecting their routine.
“It’s definitely hard, and you have doubts, and everybody there is so good. You have to rely on your team and rely on what you’ve been working hard for and put it all out there on the floor,” said Barbe dance Trinady Everage.
In an intense competition like this one, staying focused is the key to success, and these girls were determined to get the job done.
“We were fine with practicing six hours one night until 9:30-10 pm even though we had to wake up super early the next morning. You want it so bad that you’ll do whatever it takes. You’ll do whatever your coach tells you to do, and your mindset is we have to win; we want to win,” said Barbe dancer Arden Grantham.
This team has built a sisterhood that helped translate to the biggest stage.
“I feel like you’re so much more comfortable in your skin when you’re with your team and these close people in your life. When you’re on the mat, you’re having so much fun with your friends and your sisters, and you feel all the love,” said Barbe dancer Emma Schulthess.
It was a moment of joy that they all shared, but now they have their sights set on chasing gold.
“Yes, we want gold, and with gold comes a white jacket. Every year as a coach you try to learn what you could have done differently and have a different game plan and we already have a game plan we’re ready to tackle next year,” said Fitzgerald.
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