The Final Formation – Dance Force Takes on Nationals

On the weekend of Saturday, March 22nd, our very own Redwood Dance Force headed down south to compete in their final competition of the season, USA Nationals.

By: Emma Jenan

USA Dance Nationals has been an elite competition for high school dance teams since 1986. Redwood Dance Force took home 3rd place in Hip Hop, 4th place in Prop, 7th in championship medium pom, and 11th in the championship lyrical.

Four year dance force member and captain, Gwyn Miller, ’25, said this has truly been a memorable final competition for her. Miller says, “Our team did great, I truly feel like we had the best stage presence and overall performance of the whole season.”

Miller explains how this final competition was incredibly bittersweet for her and the other seniors. Miller says, “I have really gotten to know and love everyone on the team. I wouldn’t want to dance with anyone else.”

Miller was one of two seniors who bravely performed a solo dance; Miller’s to Christina Aguilera’s “Hurt”. “This song was very nostalgic for me, I listened to it growing up and it was really a full circle moment.”

The team not only competes, they make time for creating memories as well.

Miller states her favorite memory from the competition was, “Staying up late with my team and watching the Disneyland fireworks from the roof of our hotel room.” This specific moment led Miller to realize how, “This competition has brought us together and made us feel like a family.”

Sara Sozinho, ’26, is incredibly grateful for her team, especially the connections they have created this season. She says, “It’s always a bittersweet feeling during the final competition, especially since this is my second to last Nationals.” She expresses just how much fun she had this time around, “And it makes me so excited for next year!”

Sozinho did not perform a solo, but is anxious to perform one during the next Nationals season. She shares Millers emotions when it comes to their team, and just how much this competition brings them together to feel like a family. Sozinho says, “Everyone is always so positive and supportive. It really is a great environment.”

Karli Rasmussen, ’25, like Miller, performed her final Nationals competition. Rasmussen expresses gratitude for being a part of such an elite team and competition. She states, “I loved being able to see so much talent in one area! The entire weekend; just being with my friends, dancing, bonding, it was so memorable!”

Rasmussen explains how the energy truly carried throughout the weekend, even throughout countless hours of sleepless training. Rasmussen says, “The energy between everyone was so so good! It was fun, hype, and just amazing!”

Rasmussen also has a great sense of pride for her teammates, especially Miller and Marileigh Coon, ’25, during their solo performances. Rasmussen says, “It was so incredible to watch, so flawless, so emotional. I’m so proud of both of them!”

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