Congratulations to the upper school Sapphires Dance Team on an outstanding performance at the Heart of Texas Classic in Belton, Texas on Saturday, February 14! The team brought home an impressive collection of awards.

In the Extra Small Team Division Solo category, India Panter ('29), Charli Vinklarek ('27), Hannah Howard ('26), Addison Kelley ('27), and Alina Fang ('27) each earned Division I ratings. Presley Strait ('29) was named a finalist for her solo and finished as 5th Runner-Up. In the Extra Small Team Division Duet, Hannah Howard and Adrian Wright ('28) earned a First Runner-Up finish.

The Dance Officer Small Ensemble (Fang, Vinklarek, and Kelley) captured 1st Place in the Small Ensemble Division. As a team, the Sapphires earned the Sweepstakes and the Gussie Nell Davis Award, receiving scores of 93 and above from every judge on every routine performed. They also received a Judges Award, earning scores of 94 and above from each judge on two of their three team routines.

The Sapphires were honored with a Gold Award after being named Best Overall in three categories: Precision, Presentation, and Choreography. In the Extra Small Team Division, they were awarded 3rd Runner-Up overall. In recognition of their excellence beyond the dance floor, the team was also named 1st Runner-Up for the Academic Champions Award, which celebrates achievement in both academics and dance.

Capping off an incredible day, the Sapphires were named to the “Best of the Best,” ranking 6th overall out of 32 teams across all divisions – public, private, and studio teams combined. Congratulations to the Sapphires on a truly remarkable competition!