The Mason High School (MHS) varsity dance team are at the top of their game, dazzling audiences and dominating competitions with a blend of passion, precision and creativity. With 19 dancers spanning all high school grades, this team moves as one, telling stories through intricate choreography and high-energy performances. Led by Coach Christina Huetter and assistant coaches Morgan Elam and Holly Phelps, they are not just making waves locally but earning national recognition for their dedication and talent.
In 2024, the team claimed their third GMC Grand Championship title, following wins in 2019 and 2023. The annual competition, hosted at Fairfield High School, is a marquee event in the Greater Miami Conference for dance and cheer teams. “We placed first in the Traditional category and took home the coveted Grand Champions Award, which goes to the highest-scoring team in the competition. It’s such a fun day, with our cheerleaders supporting us and vice versa,” says Christina.
Senior co-captain Mia Baird said it has been a huge honor winning this title two years in a row. “It makes me proud that the judges recognized all of our hard work and amazing choreography to name us grand champs,” the four-year varsity dancer says. “This sets the tone for a great season and gives us the confidence that we need to make it to nationals.”
Success at this level doesn’t happen by chance. Judged based on the execution of skills, showmanship and difficulty, the routines demand dedication. Tryouts kick off in April, followed by summer practices, camps and a busy season that intensifies in January with five practices a week.
“We take practice seriously, but it’s so much more than that,” Mia explains. “It’s eating healthy, getting enough sleep, stretching and putting in extra workouts.”
Co-captain and varsity senior Lauren Bowers agrees. “You have to be willing to give 110%,” she says. “To compete at a national level you need a strong relationship with your teammates and a strong support system.”
The payoff? Achievements like their top-five national ranking in Large Varsity Hip Hop at Universal Dance Association (UDA) Nationals, a milestone that left both dancers and their coach in tears of pride.
“Nationals is my favorite event,” Christina admits. “There’s nothing like watching months of hard work come to life on that stage. When the team placed fifth in the nation in 2024, the arena’s energy was unforgettable.”
Both captains agree that their performance under the Disney castle at UDA Nationals was an unforgettable experience, one which they hope to achieve again in 2025.
Securing a spot on the national stage wasn’t easy. It took Christina and her team two years to convince the school’s activities board to approve competing at UDA Nationals in Orlando. Her pitch? The opportunity to showcase the team’s immense talent and bring recognition to the district. Since 2019, the team has consistently risen to the occasion, supported by tireless fundraising efforts to cover the costs of travel.
More than a team, the MHS varsity dance squad is a family. With their slogan “No Risk, No Reward” guiding them, they focus on unity as much as technique. Practices are structured yet supportive, starting with stretches and skills warm-ups before diving into choreography.
“More than competing, I love the people who are part of the Mason dance team,” Mia explains. “From the coaches to past athletes to my current teammates, we are truly a family.”
As the MHS varsity dance team looks to the future, their journey serves as a shining example of what passion and perseverance can achieve. With every routine, they inspire their school and community, proving that hard work, heart and a little bit of rhythm can take you anywhere you dream to go. MasonOhioSchools.com
“We take practice seriously, but it’s so much more than that."