By NOAH WORTHAM
ORLANDO, Fla. – As the Thompson Middle School Dance Team returned to Alabaster, they didn’t just return with days of unforgettable memories but also with awards, having secured the title of national champions.
The TMS dance team recently participated in the UDA Nationals competition at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida, which included divisions for each team, as well as a combined award with TMS Cheer.
The TMS dance team secured first place in the Junior High Kick division, becoming national champions for the second year in a row.
“Our trip to the National School Spirit Championship far exceeded expectations, said Audra Faust, coach of the TMS Dance Team. “Our dancers have been working—and kicking—since April to defend last year's title, and they are thrilled to become back-to-back national champions.”
The team also competed in a new category at nationals, where they joined alongside the TMS Cheer to compete in the same routine, earning third place in the spirit program.
This year’s nationals also marked the first time that varsity competition combined the National Dance Team Championship with the National High School Cheerleading Championship, leading to the creation of a new overall award named the National Spirit Champions.
“Because we won first in kick, third in spirit program and cheer earned fourth in traditional, TMS was able to obtain enough points to be the middle school winners for the first-ever National School Spirit Champions,” Faust said. “So, the TMS Dance Team has actually returned home with two national titles.”
Faust expressed her gratitude for the support that the team receives and for the opportunity to travel down to Florida to participate in the national competition.
“We would like to thank Dr. (Wayne) Vickers, our Central Office staff, the Alabaster City Schools Board of Education and our principal, Dr. (Neely) Woodley, for allowing us to have the opportunity to compete at such a large scale," she said. "We couldn't do it without their support. We also really appreciate the support of our dance team families. Those parents are just as committed to our team as the girls and we couldn't be successful without them."
The TMS Dance Team consists of eighth graders and seventh grades who consistently practice three days a week during the spring and fall, with their hard work extending to six days a week during competition. This year’s win for the TMS Dance Team is their third national title in 10 years, but the first consecutive championship win.
“As proud as we are of their achievements on the floor, we are more proud of the ladies they are becoming,” said Diana Wagoner, assistant coach to the dance team. “These girls have learned so much about being a team, navigating each personality and opinion and being respectful of those opinions while pushing each other to be the best teammates they can be.”
The 2026-2026 TMS Dance Team consists of the following students:
Terrann Barnes
Ruby Brandon
London Calloway
Tanner Forrester
Masyn Hardy
Kayla Hinebaugh
Sophie Leslie
Mollie Marshall
Alannah Morris
Khloe Pedrick
Emma Ramey
Tanner Stewart
Finnley Todhunter
Alexis Windsor