Members of the 2022-23 Ruston High School Bearcat Belles had quite a weekend in Tyler, Texas, competing in the Marching Auxiliaries Rose Capital Regional.

 

The competitive dance team for the red and white won first place in their division in all three team dances: hip hop, lyrical and pom.

 

“Competing with our competition team is not a requirement as a member of the Bearcat Belles,” said Belles sponsor Kenedy Pierce.  “I am so proud of the girls who decided that they wanted to spend the extra hours perfecting these dances to represent Ruston High in the best way.

 

“It’s neat to see them in the spotlight, even for just a weekend, as they are usually in more of a supporting role throughout the school year. I don’t come from a dance background, and these girls have taught me so much about their craft just in the last year. This group is special, and I am just ecstatic for them.”

 

A number of individuals also garnered some honors. Mary Laura Hunt’s solo placed second in the Senior 15-16 category, while Gabby Simmons solo placed her fourth in the same division.

 

Mattie Stephens and Ella Quarles’ duet earned them second place in the Senior 15-16 category while Simmons and Ginger Johnson’s duet placed them second in the Senior 17-18 category.