The Cor Jesu Academy dance team once again exceeded expectations, taking home first place in both the jazz and pom categories at the first ever Seckman Dance Regional competition held Jan. 17 and 18. 

Forty-three varsity teams, including Cor Jesu, from around Missouri competed. Along with Cor Jesu, Bayless, Lindbergh, Mehlville and Oakville High School varsity teams represented South County. Lindbergh also had a JV team and a Sperreng Middle School team compete as elementary school, middle school, JV, varsity, varsity intermediate, All-Star and DanceABILITIES teams were permitted to participate in the tournament. 

In total, approximately 70 teams and 850 athletes competed in front of 1,500 spectators.

The Cor Jesu dance team will next compete at Nationals in Orlando from Feb. 12 to 17, followed by the Missouri Dance Team Association State Championship competition on Feb. 23. 

In its inaugural season last year, Cor Jesu earned fifth place out of 11 teams in pom and third place out of five teams in lyrical jazz at the state competition. The team was also recognized for earning the highest GPA – a nearly perfect 3.98 – in Division 3.