The Norwalk Dance Team competed in the Large School Varsity Division Nationals of The Dance Challenge this weekend in Grinnell and were named National Champions. The Dance Challenge is an Iowa-based, traveling dance competition fundraiser that partners with local dance teams. Norwalk competed in two rounds, prelims and finals. Top routines advanced from prelims to finals, where all styles competed head-to-head within the Large School Varsity Division.

After the prelim round, six Norwalk solos made the top-ten: Jordy Norman, Ella Veen, Abbie Kluender (two), and Lauren Pitts (two). Additionally, all four of Norwalk’s team routines advanced to the top-ten.

Norwalk was named Team National Champions for their pom routine of “We Will Rock You”, and Ella Veen was also named National Champion in the solo division. Jordy Norman placed second and Abbie Kluender third. Veen earned the highest score of the entire finals competition. Norwalk also received the Judges’ Choice Award for best choreography in their jazz routine and won every category they entered in prelims while coming away with two national titles.