‘No easy feat’: Staten Island high school dance team captures national hip hop crown for 2nd year in a row

STATEN ISLAND — Susan E. Wagner High School has done it again: The talented dance team has captured back-to-back national championship hip hop crowns.

In a proud moment for the school’s history, the elite dance team has brought home its second consecutive title in Medium Varsity Hip Hop, from the National Dance Alliance competition held in February in Orlando, Florida.

“It’s a huge accomplishment and unfortunately it doesn’t get recognized,” said a proud parent of one of the dancers, who wished to remain anonymous. “Being nationally ranked number one for two years in a row is something to be proud of and brought to light.”

The competition is sponsored by Varsity Spirit, a national cheer and dance organization. Competing on a national stage against 30 of the best teams from across the country, Susan Wagner not only held their own — they dominated, as is clear in the full video posted online.

Their powerful preliminary round performance catapulted them into the top two, allowing the team to bypass the semifinal round and go straight to the finals.

Under immense pressure, Susan Wagner delivered another show-stopping routine, earning them the coveted spot and securing back-to-back national championship titles, demonstrating that teamwork and hard work pay off.

“The success you earn tastes sweeter than the victories handed to you,” said another parent. “The event itself was no easy feat with so many talented teams. The competition was split into preliminaries, semifinals, and finals.

“Wagner’s ability to stay at the top through each round speaks volumes about their skill, discipline and dedication to Medium Varsity Hip Hop.”

This year’s competition was indeed larger and tougher, with the road to victory split into three grueling rounds: preliminaries, semifinals and finals.

The championship team includes standout dancers Teresa Hionas, Pamela Manzanillo, Julianna Grippo, Uendi Alliu, Wendy Perez, Arbiana Vukovic, Aza Villodas, Chloe DiGiacomo, Ora Ulaj, Elena Coppola and Adriana Trejos.

The team was led by coaches Allyson Acerra and Keri Minicozzi.

“Celebratory photos captured the joy and emotion as the team realized what they had achieved,” added the parent. “It was a proud moment not only for the dancers but for the entire school community, who cheered them on from home and celebrated their incredible success.

“As Wagner continues to build a legacy of excellence in dance, this second national title is proof that hard work, passion, and teamwork truly pay off.”

Wagner HS

Susan E. Wagner High School dance team celebrates after capturing back-to-back national championship hip hop crowns. (Courtesy of Allyson Acerra)Courtesy of Allyson Acerra

ABOUT VARSITY SPIRIT

Through a commitment to excellence, a culture of encouragement and a collective enthusiasm, Varsity Spirit is a global force for school spirit, athletic achievement and student success, with a mission of elevating student and athlete experiences while setting the standard for spirit.

Founded in 1974, Varsity Spirit has a storied history and a celebrated reputation for influencing, evolving, and innovating spirit. Varsity Spirit endeavors to impact the success and self-esteem of over a million students and athletes each year.

From trying out for your first cheer squad to cheering on your own child as they step on stage, each performance, moment, and memory starts with Varsity Spirit.

Wagner HS

Susan E. Wagner High School dance team celebrates after capturing back-to-back national championship hip hop crowns. (Courtesy of Allyson Acerra)Courtesy of Allyson Acerra

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