The RBHS Bruin Girls began their competition season with the Yvonne Cole Invitational competition at Lindbergh High School Dec 2., then shortly after competed at the Kansas City (KC) Classic at Liberty High School Dec. 9.

The Bruin Girls compete in three categories: pom, gameday and team performance — consisting of hip hop, jazz, kick and pom in one routine. At the Yvonne Cole Invitational, the team took first place in category B team performance, first in division four pom, and third in division four gameday. At the KC Classic, they took second in division five team performance, first in division five pom and first in division five gameday. At the KC Classic, they also were awarded a showmanship award for their gameday performance and won the division five overall high point award.

After the departure of the previous head coach, Lyria Bartlett, Tessa Hulen and Annie Pottios both filled the position. Hulen said the past two competitions went great, and the team was able to put strong routines on the floor, which was ultimately their goal. She also said that while these two weeks were difficult, the team was able to work together to push through.

“I feel we are really finding our groove this year,” Hulen said. “Everyone has a way of pushing each other to be better, all while supporting each other. Every teammate, from freshman to seniors, is willing to step up and help their teammates out when needed, and ultimately I think that is helping us put strong routines on the floor.”

Senior team member Kate Dyer said she felt very proud of the performances the team gave. Though she said there is room to keep growing, she thinks the team is progressing at a good pace.

“We went into [competition season] with a lot of fight,” Dyer said. “We found a ton of adrenaline and energy and power, and it was great to see the team come together and really push for one another.”

Sophomore Gaby Hardy shared the same sentiments as Hulen and Dyer, also saying the first two competitions were great learning opportunities for new team members. She feels the team is learning how to work together and grow under stressful situations.

“Everyone’s learning how to do [competition days],” Hardy said. “I feel like we all learned from our mistakes, and we will fix them next time.”

The team is looking forward to three more competitions before their season is over in March — the Lee’s Summit North Invitational, Missouri Dance Team Association State Competition and the National Dance Alliance National Competition. Until then, the dancers will continue to practice and perform at RBHS basketball games as preparation.

“This team works so hard and we practice so many hours,” Hulen said. “The fact that [the dancers] can do all [our] practices, then go to school and be successful in both places really says something about them as individuals and as a group. It’s very impressive. They truly can do anything they put their minds to.”

Have you seen the Bruin Girls perform this year? Let us know in the comments below.