The Todd Beamer High School dance team took first place in the 4AState Championships hip-hop division in Washington State, avenging their 2016 loss and 2nd place finish the previous year.

2016 was a year of success as the Todd Beamer Dance Team won 1st place in all but one of their competitions, including the USA National Competition in Anaheim, California.

The one exception was falling to 2nd place in the 2016 State Championships, notched by Shorecrest High School.

What made the victory even more amazing is that the Todd Beamer Dance Team did not have a coach for more than half of the 2017 season.  After losing their 2016 Coach the Team-Captains (High School Seniors) took on the job of planning, scheduling, and conduction practice until Coach (and founding TBDT member) Debbie Yaranon joined the team.

The story behind this season would make a perfect made-for-tv movie about friendship, perseverance, and determination.  These girls never gave up, and worked together to make their dream come true.  We can’t wait until 2018 to see what’s next!

The Todd Beamer High School dance team took first place in the Championship large hip-hop division at last weekend’s USA National Competition in Anaheim, California. Dancers from across the country competed, and the Titans’ early morning performance earned them a place in the finals along with two other teams.

Their outstanding show as finalists that evening led to their first-place championship win.

This is the first national championship for the team, and it’s a big win for a Titans dance team that has placed second and third in prior competitions.

“We’re excited to bring home this championship title to Federal Way and Todd Beamer High School,” said coach Valicia Valiani. “The team has worked hard this year and deserves this win and national recognition.”

The win in California makes the team undefeated this year as they head into the state championship competition this weekend in Yakima.

Their season tops off with the team’s 13th annual dance showcase, the Beamer Breakdown, on May 6-7 at Todd Beamer High School (35999 16th Ave. S., Federal Way).

The Todd Beamer High School Dance Team holds eight state championship titles.

The 24-member team is coached by Valiani. The assistant coach is Teddy Bakke, and team captains are Josh Moran, Layne Hardin and Natalie Smith. The team’s hip-hop routine this year is choreographed by Daniel Cruz.

In addition to performing in local and national competitions, the team has performed at half-time during a Seahawks game, participates in the local dance community and performs at school and community sports events and activities.

Originally Published at “http://www.federalwaymirror.com/community/373593461.html#”