The St. Patrick Irish Emeralds attended American All-Star dance camp at the University of Southern Mississippi on July 16-19, where they enjoyed a demanding schedule of dance classes, technique classes, and teambuilding. On the first night of camp, they were award a superior rating for their crowd-pleasing “Queen of Hearts” jazz routine, which they perfected over the summer.

            The Emeralds received a Superior trophy for their evaluation ribbons on the dances they learned at camp. The squad also received the Most Spirited Award, given to the team who shows a positive attitude and strong team spirit, as well as the Most Admired Award, which is voted on by the other teams at camp. The Emeralds also won the First Place Competition Award on the final day of camp. They competed with an advanced jazz routine called “New Attitude,” which they learned the first day of camp.

            For the 6^th year in a row, the squad also received the overall Camp Champion Award, which is given to the team attaining the highest cumulative score from the individual evaluation percentage, bonus points received, and home routine evaluation. This award qualifies the squad to compete in the 2013 United States Dance Team Championship in Disneyworld.

            Our Big Sister staff member chose 12 All-Stars: senior captain Katherine Herndon, junior captain Raven Gutierrez, juniors Denton Hunter, Hannah Hart, and Mary Grace Taylor, sophomores Kara Krivanec, Leah O’Neill, and Chazmyn Riley, freshman Brooke Gibson, 8^th graders Sofia Cooper and Sylvia Taylor, and 7^th grader Melanie Nguyen. The girls were chosen for their outstanding dance ability, leadership, and attitude. The All-Stars are invited to dance in Rome, Italy this year.

           The Emeralds are excited about entertaining the crowd during the upcoming football season. Go Irish!

           Click below for pictures from the Monday night performance.