Crowd Favorites

Each January, the Second Baptist School Golden Girls compete in two competitions: the TAPPS State Dance Championships against other TAPPS private schools across the state and a local Crowd Pleasers competition, against both public and private schools in Texas.

TAPPS

For the fourth year in a row, the SBS Golden Girls earned the title State Runner-Up at the TAPPS Dance Championships. According to head coach Madelyn Whitehead, “The scores have been so close each year, and although we would love to walk away state champions, I could not be more proud of the standard of excellence the Golden Girls have been able to uphold each year against some very tough competition.”

In addition to their second place finish, several Golden Girls received individual awards. Emily Bolling ‘23 and Caroline Lane ‘24 earned First Team All-State, Kendalyn Firenza ‘23 earned Second Team All-State and Kate Davidson ‘22 earned Honorable Mention. Lastly, Caroline Lane ‘24 made “Kick Company” in an individual skills contest.

CROWD PLEASERS

Last weekend, the Golden Girls continued their contest season at the Crowd Pleasers January Premier competition at Cy Falls High School. They competed 3 team dances, 4 solos, 1 duet and 1 middle school Spirit solo.

Solo Awards

Grade 10 1st Runner Up Soloist - Caroline Lane ‘24

Grade 10 Solo Overall Winner - Emily Ann Haynes ‘24

Grade 11 1st Runner Up Soloist - Lauren Schweers ‘23

Grade 11 Solo Overall Winner - Emily Bolling ‘23

Middle School 1st Runner Up Soloist - Tessa Garcia ‘26

 

Duet Award

Overall Duet Winners - Virginia Young ‘23 and Kendalyn Firenza ‘23

 

Team Awards

Team Lyrical - Platinum/Division Winner

Team Pom - High Platinum/Division Winner

Team Novelty - High Platinum/Division Winner

Highest GPA Award

Division Overall Grand Champion Team

High Point Winner - Team Pom

Overall Grand Champion Team

 

According to Emily Ann Haynes ‘24, “Competing at Crowd Pleasers is one of my favorite experiences as a Golden Girl because of the exciting and encouraging atmosphere. It is an experience I look forward to every year. I also loved the opportunity to compete my solo and perform it for a second time at the awards ceremony!”

Kendalyn Firenza ‘23 added, “Crowd Pleasers was such an enjoyable experience! Every dancer who competed was beyond talented, and everyone was encouraging as we often complimented each teams’ costumes and routines. I also enjoyed the opportunity to perform a duet with Virginia Young ‘23, while our families and friends cheered us on.”

Coach Whitehead also shared, “Attending the Crowd Pleasers competition each year is such a great experience for the Golden Girls. They gain competitive contest experience and are given valuable feedback to improve as a team and individual dancers. This year in particular they did very well and I am so proud of them! This was the perfect conclusion to our contest season.” She concluded, “The self-discipline, teamwork and sisterhood that is built throughout the Golden Girl year is unlike any other experience these girls will encounter. The days are long and challenging, but the years are short and the memories and valuable lessons will stay with them forever!”

What’s next for the Golden Girls? Their annual Spring Show, of course! Mark your calendars for Monday, April 11, 2022, at 7 p.m. for more performances by the Golden Girls, upper school vocalists, varsity cheerleaders and the infamous Golden Guys!