February 14, 2024 by
The 2023-2024 Bearden High School dance team has brought home yet another national title trophy. The 27-member team received first place in the Large Varsity Pom division during the Universal Dance Association National Dance Team Championships in Orlando Feb. 2-4. This is Bearden’s fourth straight season of winning a national title in at least one division — having now earned eight UDA National Championships in program history — and its first Pom national title since 2020. The program holds 18 TSSAA state championships, “making it the most successful dance program in Tennessee,” a BHS press release stated. The team is led by head coach Hannah Keathley and team sponsor Rebecca Nutter. “I’m unbelievably proud of this team for coming together and improving each round of competition to peak at the right time in Finals,” Keathley said. “It truly shows our athletes’ pride for our school and respect for the legacy of the program.”
Also in Orlando, Bearden received the bronze medal in Large Varsity Division I Game Day. Team members, front row from left, are Jordan James, Eli Keziah, Avery Duncanson, Kenzie Bankes, Maddie Taylor, Marian Mitchell, Abigail Abrams and Keathley. Second row, from left, are assistant coach Sydney Schriver, Kaelyn Martinez, Maclain Brown, Whitley Sams, Mallory Simpson, Cadance Eastman, Brielle Pickett, Abigail Standifer, Kelsi Wright, Lana Nelson and choreographer Katie Fear Lane. Back row, from left, are Nutter, Baylor Brown, Sofie Lewis, Ansley Brown, Ella McLaughlin, Avery Lemoncelli, Piper Gould, Emily Carver, Addie Duggan, Kaitlin Ramey, Cate Smithey and Mallory Haskins.
Photo courtesy of Nate McLaughlin
