The Royales prepared for Nationals for months and competed at the Fort Worth Convention Center on March 21. Competing against other schools from Allen, Austin, South Lake and more, the whole team worked consistently every day to perfect their routines.

“The Royales prepared for nationals by practicing and perfecting all of our routines every day,” junior Rae Martin said. “We started preparing for this as soon as football season ended.”

Football season ended months ago, which gave the girls plenty of time to ensure their dances were ready for showtime.

“By the time nationals was here, we were all confident in our dances,” Martin said. “We have put enormous amounts of time and energy into them.”

While assembling the dances was a huge factor in performing, mentally preparing was something they also worked on to make sure they performed their best.

“I try not to get nervous right when we are about to perform because I’m afraid that I’ll psych myself out or make a mistake,” Martin said. “I try to relax and have fun while I’m performing.”

Having a good attitude throughout competition season has really helped some of the teammates do their best on and off stage.

“I mainly prepared for this by working hard and having a good attitude,” senior Alyssa Berkowitz said. “Being positive makes the process a lot easier.”

Staying on top of things, especially when practicing dance numbers, is essential to the team. The Royales captain, senior Carly Sandridge, led the team.

“As captain, I make sure we are practicing to our fullest potential,” Sandridge said. “I set goals and expectations for my team to achieve throughout the year. I’ve had so much fun leading this team.”

Being a good leader is important to Sandridge, on and off stage. She hopes to use her leadership skills in the future.

“One of the biggest life lessons I’ve learned from being a Royale is how to be a leader,” Sandridge said. “Leadership is a very important life skill. I will continue to use these skills in my future endeavors.”

Sandridge won 8th place in her solo out of 125 contestants.

At the end of competition, the Royales walked away with awards in many categories such as lyrical and contemporary, jazz, hip-hop, pom, kick and small ensemble.

“I love being apart of the team,” Martin said. “It is like having a second family.”