LPJ Sports Report
LAFAYETTE, La. — The Ruston High School Bearcat Belles brought home a collection of honors after attending the Universal Dance Association (UDA) Camp held June 6-9 at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in Lafayette.
The 16-member team excelled throughout the four-day camp, earning Blue Superior ribbons for every routine they performed. The Belles learned and performed a team routine that received a Blue Superior rating, and each dancer also learned and performed two additional dances that were judged at the same level.
In total, the Bearcat Belles earned 48 Blue Superior ribbons during the camp, reflecting consistent excellence across all performances.
The team’s five seniors — Sylvia Lackey, Annie Stevens, Marleigh Keen, Millie Keen and Olivia Hamby — also received individual recognition. Each was selected as a UDA All-American, an honor awarded to dancers who demonstrate outstanding technical ability, leadership and performance skills.
As UDA All-Americans, the five seniors will have the opportunity to perform in prestigious parades in London and Honolulu during the upcoming school year.
In addition to the individual honors, the Bearcat Belles earned a Superior Trophy and received a bid to compete at the National Dance Team Championship in Orlando, Florida.
The national competition is one of the premier events for high school dance teams in the country and will give the Bearcat Belles an opportunity to showcase their talents against top programs from across the nation later this school year.
