Claremore High School's varsity dance team didn't just compete at a national championship; they owned it. On March 28th, the 11-member squad, led by coach Jessica Warden, achieved a stunning clean sweep, taking first place in all four of their categories at the 2026 Cheer & Dance/Drill Team America competition in San Antonio's SeaWorld.

This victory was the culmination of a unique qualification process. Unlike many sports, the team earned their national spot not through a live playoff, but by submitting a qualifying video. Coach Warden strategically keeps which routine she submits a secret from her dancers to alleviate pressure, a tactic that clearly paid off on the big stage.

Facing off against 20-25 other teams, including private studio squads, Claremore showcased their incredible versatility across four distinct styles. Their emotional lyrical routine, performed to Fleetwood Mac's "The Chain" in black robes, left even the dancers surprised by its power upon review. They then shifted gears entirely, bringing high-energy pom with a Britney Spears disco medley, a sharp ninja-themed hip-hop number, and a crowd-pleasing mix routine celebrating boy band hits.

The hard work was rewarded in spectacular fashion. Not only did they win their age division in every category, but their hip-hop routine was also crowned the absolute best performance of the entire day by the judges—a true testament to their precision and showmanship.

Of course, a championship trip isn't complete without some celebration. After delivering their back-to-back performances, the team fully embraced their Texas adventure, enjoying the thrills of SeaWorld and Six Flags, and even navigating a bewildering mirror maze near the Alamo. For these athletes, the triumph was a perfect blend of elite performance and unforgettable team bonding, proving that dedication on the dance floor can lead to the ultimate reward.