5,6,7,8!”, screamed our dance team captain as we continued to practice for the third week in a row. I felt the sweat running down my face and back as practice slowly continued and danced to my fullest potential in the hope of perfecting our five team dances for American Allstar Nationals Dance Competition in just one week. The excruciating ache that I felt throughout my body made me feel hopeful however, that the Carmelettes would be taking home a National Championship. Upon returning home, I gazed at my bed and packing list, pondering and stressing over all of the costumes, outfits, and makeup I had yet to pack. I watched the time quickly get later and later, and after finally feeling the zip of my suitcase, I anxiously went to bed, awaiting my early morning that had yet to come. Turning off the light and crawling into the warmth of my sheets, I savored the last night in my bed before going to Disney World for the next week.

Startled from hearing the loud, buzzing sound of my alarm clock, I sprung out of bed the next morning at 5:15. I had anxiously been waiting to leave for Disney World, and the fact that it was actually here made me feel jittery. When we arrived to the airport, I could not wait to sit in my seat on the airplane and take the hour and forty five minute flight to Orlando to represent the best team in the nation. Although I was anxious about the competition, I was more excited to be competing and hopefully bring home a National Championship. Finally, I arrived in Orlando, Florida with my favorite team. The feeling of the Mickey ears on my head and the fast pass band on my arm was better than wearing any piece of jewelry. After savoring the taste of churros on Main Street and experiencing the thrill of Tower of Terror for three days, it was time to finish what we came to Disney for, winning Nationals.

The morning of Nationals was unlike any other, involving the strong smell of hairspray and the rough feeling of sequins on my costumes. I was so nervous because the day could either be one of the best days of my life or possibly one of the worst. As the team waited in line patiently for the bus to bring us from the hotel to the Epcot theme park, we all stood in a circle and prayed, thanking God for the opportunity to represent Carmelettes, even if we did not win. When we arrived in Epcot, I could not wait to get on the stage and show America what Carmelettes were capable of. Finally, the team walked into the World Showcase Room in Canada in Epcot, ready to compete. The fresh, inviting smell of the room made us all excited and ready for the events of the day. First up were solos, duets, and ensembles. After seeing all of the talent we displayed, we were more than ready to take on the team dances. The whole day we were slowly getting nervous because we saw all of the talent that was present. However, dance after dance, we did better and better each time. Our last dance of the day was our novelty, which was our funniest dance. We went on stage dressed as flight attendants, peanuts, and luggage, making the crowd laugh hysterically. After finishing all of our dances, it was time for awards. It was a bittersweet moment because it was the last time the seniors would ever where a Carmelette uniform, but also the moment we could win Nationals. The seniors sat on the stage while the rest of the team sat in the chairs on the floor. During awards, our name was called for first place for two dances and second place for two dances, meaning we had a 50 50 chance of winning. Finally, the last award of the day came up, National Champion. We all held hands, nervous about what would be announced next. “And your National Champions are…. Mount Carmel Academy Carmelettes!” This was the best thing we have ever heard someone say! Seeing the red, white, and blue confetti rain down from the ceiling and feeling the gold medal around my neck made me cry tears of joy. We had finally done it, and the sweet taste of victory made all of the strenuous hours of practice worth it all.

I am forever grateful for the experience I had with Carmelettes at Nationals in Disney World because of the bond that I developed with my team. We left New Orleans and returned to New Orleans with a stronger bond that made us that much more grateful to wear Carmelettes across our chest. Winning Nationals proved to us that we can make it through any trial a competition season can give us if we all work together. This experience made me proud and it is something that I will forever cherish because “Once a Carmie, Always a Carmie!”