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The Starkville High School Dance team earned Superior ratings and two Spirit Sticks along with more than 100 individual ribbons and awards at the Universal Dance Association (UDA) Camp held at Mississippi State University in early June. UDA Camps provide instruction for students and coaches in dance routines, sportsmanship, and the gameday experience. In addition to team-building and spirit training, the four-day Technical camp for junior high and high school students gave Jacket dancers the opportunity to learn routines in hip-hop, jazz, pom and stand music.
Members of the Jacket Dance team were invited to advance to performance evaluation in each dance category and earned the following individual honors:
- 50 Superior Ribbons
- 50 Drill Down Ribbons
- 5 Special Recognitions Ribbons
- 1 "Pin it Forward" Recipient
- 8 UDA All-Americans
"The SHS Dancers have grown so much in our last two seasons," said Ashley Holly, Head Dance Coach. "We have increased our final scores throughout each competition, and I'm very proud of them."
Coming off a 2024-2025 competitive season that culminated with the team earning Grand Champion in their division at the Deep South Spirit Season Finale competition, Jacket Dance is preparing to enter its third season with new resolve. And, with new stadium turf and track set to be completed and the implementation of new sound and lighting features on the field this fall, the team will have more opportunities to perform for the Jacket faithful during games.
"We are looking forward to cheering our Jackets under the Friday night lights," Holly said. "The team will also be participating in various competitions throughout the coming season, and we are working hard to build new skills for even stronger performances."
