Dazzlers win first place at International Junior World Cheer Championship

The Dazzlers hold up the American flag after being announced as the gold medal winners. Courtesy of the @manualdazzlers on Instagram.

Kaelin Gaydos
April 23, 2022

The Dazzlers won first place in the Hip Hop category at the International Junior World Cheerleading Championships in Orlando, Florida earlier this week. The dancers went up against five other teams from across the world (England, Mexico, Ecuador, Scotland and Mongolia),  pulling out a never before seen routine to bring home the gold. Team England took home silver, while Team Mexico took home bronze.. 

Earlier this year, the Dazzlers announced that they had been selected to represent the United States as the Junior Hip Hop team at the upcoming World Championships. The team began training even harder than normal and even attended the National Championships in early March before the ICU competition. 

The hip hop dance performed by the Dazzlers was fast-paced and included several sophisticated jumps and flips. Their costumes represented Manual’s school colors and were covered in gemstones, along with an American flag found on their backs. The routine can be viewed on their Facebook page. 

Most of the time, the U.S. National Team recruiters select all-star teams to represent the country at worlds, with high school teams a rarity. The fact that the Dazzlers were chosen this year holds great impact and is a true testament to both their artistic and athletic skill.

“We could not be more proud to bring home the gold for the United States in Jr. Hip Hop. Not only does it mean so much to us to represent our country, but also our city and our school. The experience was so surreal. Yes, the competition was amazing, but we also participated in a cultural exchange with over 50 countries, which was such a cool experience. After the craziness that has been the last two years, it was amazing to get to come together and do what we love at the Olympic level for our sport,” Kirstie Adanick, the Dazzlers’ head coach, said.

“We have just worked so extremely hard for this moment and it’s so refreshing to have it come to fruition like this! This feeling of performing and getting the gold is unmatched and I’m so grateful for this opportunity to perform for the US this year!” Bay Standrod (10, YPAS) said. 

Both the dancers and coaches have worked immensely hard for not just this competition, but for every moment they step out on the floor to perform. This accomplishment was well deserved by the team and Manual is proud to be represented by the Dazzlers.